Throat Cancer
Types of Throat Cancer
There are two areas of the throat that cancer affects, those that develop in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or in the voice box (laryngeal cancer). At CHRISTUS Health, our board-certified team has experience in various types of throat cancer. Although most throat cancers occur in the same types of cells, the location determines the type of cancer.
This type of cancer starts in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is located behind your nose in your throat.
Oropharynx cancer can develop in your throat and mouth, which also affects your tonsils.
Hypopharyngeal cancer affects the lower part of your throat and the area right above the esophagus and windpipe.
Cancer affecting vocal cords is called glottic cancer.
This type of cancer affects the bottom of your voice box that is located beneath the vocal cords.
This type of cancer starts on the top of the voice box and affects the epiglottis. The epiglottis helps block food from entering your windpipe.
Throat Cancer Signs & Symptoms
Not all signs may indicate throat cancer. However, we highly suggest contacting your CHRISTUS physicians if you have experienced these symptoms below for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
- Chronic cough
- Abnormal changes in your voice
- Hard to swallow
- Pain in ears
- Continuous sore throat
Treatments & Procedures
At CHRISTUS Health, we have an array of treatments and procedures that are personalized to your specific needs. Click here to learn about our various treatment and procedure options for cancer.