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Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs in the throat, just behind the nose. Throat cancers are categorized according to where they develop:
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What are the main types of throat cancer? What are the symptoms of throat cancer?Ĭommon signs and symptoms of throat cancer include: Typically, throat cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas because they begin in the flat, squamous cells that line the moist surface of the throat. Throat cancer forms in the throat (pharynx), larynx or tonsils. That’s why experts recommend that throat cancer patients receive follow-up exams for the rest of their lives, and avoid tobacco and alcohol, which increase the risk for secondary cancers.Ĭall us 24/7 - 888.552.6760 What is throat cancer? After treatment ends, some patients may also develop another cancer in the lungs, mouth, throat or other nearby area. Many throat cancer patients also have a high risk of developing a secondary cancer, typically in the larynx (voice box), esophagus or lungs. Surgery, for example, may affect a patient’s ability to chew, swallow and speak, as well as his or her appearance.
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Experts now are working to spread awareness of HPV as a major risk factor for head and neck cancer, and throat cancer in particular.īecause of throat cancer’s location, the disease and its treatment often cause physical side effects. Recently, though, and for the first time ever, the rate of head and neck cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men has surpassed the incidence of HPV-related cervical cancer in women. Over the past 30 years, the morbidity and mortality rates for throat cancer have declined, due in large part to public health efforts discouraging tobacco use.
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