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Throat Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Ear Nose Throat

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer encompasses various types of head and neck cancers, with tobacco use and heavy drinking serving as the primary risk factors.

Overview

Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Throat cancer has different names, depending on which part of the throat is affected. The different parts of your throat are called the oropharynx, the hypopharynx, the nasopharynx, and the larynx, or voice box.

Causes & Risk Factors

The main risk factors for throat cancer are tobacco use and heavy drinking. Certain types of throat cancer also have other risk factors. For example, having HPV is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of throat cancer may include:

  • A sore throat that does not go away
  • A lump in the neck
  • Pain or ringing in the ears
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Ear pain

Diagnosis & Treatment

To diagnose throat cancers, doctors may do a physical exam and history, imaging tests, and a biopsy. You may also need other tests, depending on the type of cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment for some types of throat cancer may also include targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

HPV‑positive oropharyngeal cancers tend to occur in younger patients, often non‑smokers, and have a better overall prognosis and response to treatment compared to HPV‑negative, tobacco‑related cancers. Because of the favorable biology, many centers now use de‑intensified radiation or chemoradiation protocols (lower dose or fewer cycles) to reduce long‑term side effects while maintaining cure rates. Nonetheless, both types are treated with a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery, tailored to tumor stage and patient health.
Radiation can cause mucositis (painful inflammation of the lining), dry mouth (xerostomia) due to salivary gland damage, taste changes, difficulty swallowing, and skin irritation. Management includes: (1) Regular saline or magic‑mouth rinses to keep the mouth moist; (2) Prescription saliva substitutes or pilocarpine to stimulate saliva; (3) Soft, high‑protein, low‑irritant diet and possibly a feeding tube if swallowing is severely impaired; (4) Pain control with topical anesthetics or systemic analgesics; and (5) Good oral hygiene and frequent dental check‑ups to prevent infections.
Persistent sore throat lasting more than three weeks, a lump or swelling in the neck, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness that does not improve, ear pain without ear infection, or a non‑healing ulcer in the mouth or throat are red‑flag signs. If any of these are present, especially in a smoker or heavy drinker, you should see a clinician promptly for a focused exam and possible imaging or biopsy.
Yes. Complete cessation of tobacco and limiting alcohol intake dramatically reduce recurrence risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular aerobic exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support immune function. Additionally, adhering to scheduled follow‑up visits, imaging, and endoscopic examinations allows early detection of any new lesions. Vaccination against HPV (if not already done) is also recommended for eligible adults to protect against future HPV‑related head‑and‑neck cancers.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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