Throat cancer

Throat cancer is a term that refers to several types of cancers that start in the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). It begins when throat cells mutate into a tumor.

Throat cancers are treated by otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) and radiation oncologists. Penn Medicine pioneered minimally invasive surgery to treat throat cancer and has one of the largest head and neck cancer programs in the region.

Throat cancer can manifest in many ways and require different treatment plans and care. Penn Medicine specialists treat all cancers of the throat, including the following types:

• Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common cancer of the throat. It forms in the oropharynx, the middle of the throat behind the mouth, and the soft palate. 
• Laryngeal cancer is a common cancer that forms in the larynx, or voice box, a tube-shaped structure in the neck that connects the throat to the windpipe (trachea). 
• Esophageal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. 
• Hypopharyngeal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the hypopharynx, where the larynx and esophagus meet. This is the lower throat area behind the voice box. 
• Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare, aggressive cancer that starts in the nasopharynx, a structure behind the nasal cavity. It’s more common in people of Asian descent.

The most common symptom of throat cancer is a sore throat that doesn’t go away. You might also notice changes in your voice. Other symptoms of throat cancer can include:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing 
• Weight loss 
• Earache 
• A lump in the throat or mouth 
• A mass or lump in the neck 
• Hoarseness 
• Nosebleeds 
• Headache 
• Constant bad breath 
• A stiff jaw

The two biggest risk factors for developing throat cancer are using tobacco in any form and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. These factors can also increase your risk:

• Family history of throat cancer 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection 
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection 
• Poor diet or vitamin deficiency 
• Radiation exposure 
• Goiter (chronic neck swelling) 
• Poor dental hygiene 
• Obesity

You can reduce your risk of throat cancer by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

One type of throat cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, is caused by HPV infection, which is usually spread through normal sexual activity. To protect yourself, consider reducing your number of sexual partners and using condoms. Getting vaccinated against HPV is also an effective way to prevent infection. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for the following groups:

• Preteens should start the vaccine as early as age 9, with the ideal age being 11 or 12. 
• Teens and young adults should get the vaccine up to age 26 if they haven’t started or completed the series. 
• Adults aged 27–45 may consider getting the vaccine after discussing it with their doctor.

Expert care for the full range of throat cancers at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine specialists are experts in treating all types of throat cancer. Our Head and Neck Cancer program is one of the largest of its kind in the region.

We invented transoral robotic surgery (TORS), the world’s first minimally invasive robotic surgical technique to treat throat tumors. It enables surgeons to access hard-to-reach areas through the mouth, eliminating the need for large, external incisions while preserving speech and swallowing functions.