Throat cancer develops in your throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx).
Your throat is a muscular tube that begins behind your nose and ends in your neck. Throat cancer most often begins in the flat cells that line the inside of your throat.
Your voice box sits just below your throat and is also susceptible to throat cancer. The voice box is made of cartilage and contains the vocal cords that vibrate to make sound when you talk.
Types of throat cancer
Throat cancer is a general term that applies to cancer that develops in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or the voice box (laryngeal cancer).
Though most throat cancers involve the same types of cells, specific terms differentiate the part of the throat where cancer originated.
Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx — the part of your throat just behind your nose.
Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx — the part of your throat right behind your mouth that includes your tonsils.
Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) — the lower part of your throat, just above your esophagus and windpipe.
Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper portion of the voice box and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into your windpipe.
Subglottic cancer begins in the lower portion of your voice box, below your vocal cords.
Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:
A cough
Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
A lump or sore that doesn't heal
A sore throat
Weight loss
Causes
Throat cancer occurs when cells in your throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating cells can form a tumor in your throat.
It's not clear what causes the mutation that causes throat cancer. However, doctors have identified factors that may increase your risk.
Factors that can increase your risk of throat cancer include:
Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco
Excessive alcohol use
Viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Exposure to toxic substances at work