Throat cancer is a common way of referring to some head and neck cancers, usually squamous cell carcinomas. Its precise usage varies, as different researchers and practitioners define the area of the throat in different ways. Head and neck cancers are malignant growths originating in the lip and oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, thyroid, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and cervical lymph nodes of the neck. ... In medicine, squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, the esophagus, the lungs, and the cervix. ... Anatomy In anatomy, the throat is the part of the neck anterior to the vertebral column. ...

As with other squamous cell carcinomas, the tumor begins to develop in the tissue lining the hollow organs of the body. These cancer cells tend to rapidly multiply, killing the healthy cells, and causing death unless they are stopped or slowed down in time. Tumor (American English) or tumour (British English) originally means swelling, and is sometimes still used with that meaning. ... Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. ... Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green). ... For other uses, see Death (disambiguation). ...

Definitions

Some define throat cancer as the cancer of the pharynx and so refer to it as pharyngeal cancer. This includes cancer of: The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the neck and throat situated immediately posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity, and cranial to the esophagus, larynx, and trachea. ...

• The nasopharynx, the area behind the throat
• The oropharynx, the area at the base of the tongue, including the soft palate and tonsils
• The hypopharynx, which is the bottom of the throat.

Others restrict their definition of throat cancer to include the vocal cords and larynx (voice box). The pharynx is the part of the digestive system of many animals immediately behind the mouth and in front of the esophagus. ... The pharynx is the part of the digestive system of many animals immediately behind the mouth and in front of the esophagus. ... In human anatomy, the hypopharynx is the bottom part of the pharynx, and is the part of the throat that connects to the esophagus. ... Laryngoscopic view of the vocal folds. ... The pharynx (plural pharynx), or voicebox, is an organ in the neck of mammals involved in protection of the trachea and sound production. ...

Whats could be wrong

Throat cancer usually begins with symptoms that seem harmless enough, like an enlarged lymph node on the outside of the neck, a sore throat or a hoarse sounding voice. However, in the case of throat cancer, these conditions may persist and become chronic. There may be a lump or a sore in the throat or neck that does not heal or go away. There may be difficult or painful swallowing. Speaking may become difficult. There may be a persistent earache. Other possible but less common symptoms include some numbness or paralysis of the face muscles. Structure of the lymph node. ... Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups. ...

Risk factors

There are a wide variety of factors which can put someone at a heightened risk for throat cancer. Such factors include smoking or chewing tobacco or other things, such as betel, gutkha, marijuana or pan, heavy alcohol consumption, poor diet resulting in vitamin deficiencies (worse if this is caused by heavy alcohol intake), weakened immune system, asbestos exposure, prolonged exposure to wood dust or paint fumes, exposure to petroleum industry chemicals, and being over the age of 55 years. Another risk factor includes the appearance of white patches or spots in the mouth, known as leukoplakia; in about ⅓ of the cases this develops into cancer. The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... Chewing tobacco is a smokeless tobacco product. ... Species Nicotiana acuminata Nicotiana alata Nicotiana attenuata Nicotiana benthamiana Nicotiana clevelandii Nicotiana excelsior Nicotiana forgetiana Nicotiana glauca Nicotiana glutinosa Nicotiana langsdorffii Nicotiana longiflora Nicotiana obtusifolia Nicotiana paniculata Nicotiana plumbagifolia Nicotiana quadrivalvis Nicotiana repanda Nicotiana rustica Nicotianasuaveolens Nicotiana sylvestris Nicotiana tabacum Nicotiana tomentosa Ref: ITIS 30562 as of August 26, 2005... Binomial name Piper betle L. The Betel (Piper betle) is a spice whose leaves have medicinal properties. ... Gutkha (also spelled guttkha and guthka) is a preparation of crushed betel nut, tobacco, and sweet or savory flavorings. ... A Cannabis sativa plant Look up marijuana in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Look up Pan in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Functional group of an alcohol molecule. ... Retinol (Vitamin A) Vitamins are nutrients required in very small amounts for essential metabolic reactions in the body [1]. The term vitamin does not encompass other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids. ... ... Fibrous asbestos on muscovite Asbestos Asbestos Asbestos (a misapplication of Latin: asbestos quicklime from Greek : a, not and sbestos, extinguishable) describes any of a group of minerals that can be fibrous, many of which are metamorphic and are hydrous magnesium silicates. ... Pumpjack pumping an oil well near Sarnia, Ontario Ignacy Łukasiewicz - inventor of the refining of kerosene from crude oil. ... Leukoplakia is a condition of the mouth that involves the formation of white leathery spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. ...

The presence of acid reflux disease (GERD - gastroesphogeal reflux disease) or larynx reflux disease can also be a major factor. In the case of acid reflux disease, stomach acids flow up into the esophagus and damage its lining, making it more prone to throat cancer. Acid reflux redirects here. ... The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/Å“sophagus), or gullet is the muscular tube in vertebrates through which ingested food passes from the mouth area to the stomach. ...

Ethnicity may also play a part, with African American men in the U.S. being found to be at a 50% higher risk of throat cancer than caucasian men. An ethnic group is a human population whose members identify with each other, usually on the basis of a presumed common genealogy or ancestry (Smith, 1986). ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... United States is the current Good Article Collaboration of the week! Please help to improve this article to the highest of standards. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Types of throat cancer

Throat cancers are classified according to their histology or cell structure, and are commonly referred to by their location in the oral cavity and neck. This is because where the cancer appears in the throat affects the prognosis - some throat cancers are more aggressive than others depending upon their location. The stage at which the cancer is diagnosed is also a critical factor in the prognosis of throat cancer. A thin section of lung tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin. ...

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cells are the epithelium (tissue layer) that is the surface cells of much of the body. Skin and mucous membranes are squamous cells. This is the most common form of larynx cancer, accounting for over 90% of throat cancer.^{[reference please]} Squamous Cell Carcinoma is most likely to appear in males over 40 years of age with a history of heavy alcohol use coupled with smoking.. Squamous cells are basically types of cells which can be identified histologically by the fact that they look flattened and thin under a microscope. ... Types of epithelium This article discusses the epithelium, an animal anatomical structure. ... In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues that guard underlying muscles and organs. ... The mucous membranes (or mucosa) are linings of ectodermic origin, covered in epithelium, that line various body cavities and internal organs. ...

Epidimoid Cancer

(See Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer of the columnar epithelium typical of the lower esophagus. It is typical of Barrett's Esophagus but may be at another location. Adenocarcinoma is thought of as a product of Barrett's Esophagus. In medicine, carcinoma is any cancer that arises from epithelial cells. ... In zootomy, epithelium is a tissue composed of a layer of cells. ... The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/Å“sophagus), or gullet is the muscular tube in vertebrates through which ingested food passes from the mouth area to the stomach. ...

Examples of locational nomenclature are:

Pharangeal cancer

Hypo-Pharangeal cancer

Oro-Pharangeal cancer

Esophogeal cancer

Barrett's Esophagus is a cancer of the columnar epithelium of the lower esophagus. Barretts esophagus (sometimes called Barretts syndrome or colloquially as Barretts) refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus thought to be caused by damage from chronic acid exposure, or reflux esophagitis. ... The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/Å“sophagus), or gullet is the muscular tube in vertebrates through which ingested food passes from the mouth area to the stomach. ...

Cancer of the Larynx

Cancerous tumors can occur anywhere in the larynx, like on the vocal cords (most common) or above them or below the glottis which is the opening at the top of the larynx. Less prevalent are tumors above (supraglottic) or below the glottis (subglottic) but these are also the throat cancers with the worst prognosis because they tend to spread or metastasize more rapidly than other types of throat cancer.

Treatment

Many different treatments and therapies are used in the treatment of throat cancer. The type of treatment and therapies used are largely determined by the location of the cancer in the throat area and also the extent to which the cancer has spread at time of diagnosis. Patients’ also have the right to decide whether or not they wish to consent to a particular treatment. For example, some may decide to not undergo radiation therapy which has serious side effects if it means they will be extending their lives by only a few months or so. Others may feel that the extra time is worth it and wish to pursue the treatments.

Surgery

Surgery as a treatment is sometimes used in cases of throat cancer. In such cases an attempt is made to remove the cancerous cells. This can be particularly tricky if the cancer is near the larynx and can result in the patient being unable to speak. Surgery is more commonly used to resection (remove) some of the lymph nodes to prevent further spread of the disease. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs a mitral valve replacement at the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. ... The pharynx (plural pharynx), or voicebox, is an organ in the neck of mammals involved in protection of the trachea and sound production. ... Resection is a method of orientation (direction or position finding) using a compass and topographic map. ...

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the most common form of treatment. There are different forms of radiation therapy. One of newer treatments is Intensity-modulated radiotherapy or IMRT which is able to focus more precisely so that fewer healthy cells are destroyed than was the case with some of the older radiation therapies. IMRT reduces incidental damage to the many important structures of the throat and mouth that may not be involved. However if the cancer has metastisized or is widespread, the older form of treatment may be the most effective at slowing the progression of the disease. Radiation will generally cause the patient to feel sicker and weaker for several weeks following the treatment, but is a very effective treatment in stopping the disease. Clinac 2100 C100 accelerator Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is the medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in medical imaging and diagnosis). ... Clinac 2100 C accelerator Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is the medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in medical imaging and diagnosis). ... Clinac 2100 C accelerator Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is the medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in medical imaging and diagnosis). ... Metastasis (Greek: change of the state) is the spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body. ...

Radiation mask used in treatment of throat cancer

A typical radiation course could be 37 consecutive daily sessions of 11 one-minute exposures at positions encircling the neck. The patient is immobilized by a plastic mask that snaps into holes on the treatment table. The table is adjusted so that lasers mounted on the ceiling hit dots on the mask. The computer then adjusts the gantry arm and head, table, and shutters, makes the exposure and adjusts again for the next exposure. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (800x690, 117 KB) Summary Original photo by Luxomni of his own radiation mask. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (800x690, 117 KB) Summary Original photo by Luxomni of his own radiation mask. ...

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy in throat cancer is not generally used to cure the cancer as such. Instead, it is used to provide an inhospitable environment for metastases so that they will not establish in other parts of the body. Typical chemotherapy agents are a combination of Taxol and Carboplatin. Erbitux is also used in the treatment of throat cancer. While not specifically a chemotherapy, Amifostine is often administered intravenously by a chemotherapy clinic prior to a patient's radiotherapy sessions. Amifostine protects the patient's gums and salivary glands from the effects of radiation. Chemotherapy is the use of chemical substances to treat disease. ... Paclitaxel is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. ... Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug used against some forms of cancer. ... Cetuximab (Erbitux®) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody given by intravenous injection for treatment of colorectal cancer. ... Amifostine is a cytoprotective adjuvant used in cancer chemotherapy involving DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents. ... An intravenous drip in a hospital Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the administration of liquid substances directly into a vein. ... The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system moist. ...

Effects on body systems

Throat cancer has numerous negative effects on the body systems.

Digestive system

As it can impair a person’s ability to swallow and eat, throat cancer affects the digestive system. The difficulty in swallowing can lead to a person to choke on their food in the early stages of digestion and interfere with the food’s smooth travels down into the esophagus and beyond. For the Physics term GUT, please refer to Grand unification theory The gastrointestinal or digestive tract, also referred to as the GI tract or the alimentary canal or the gut, is the system of organs within multicellular animals which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and... Choking is the obstruction of the flow of air into a persons lungs by a foreign object, commonly food. ... The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/Å“sophagus), or gullet is the muscular tube in vertebrates through which ingested food passes from the mouth area to the stomach. ...

The treatments for throat cancer can also be harmful to the digestive system as well as other body systems. Radiation therapy can lead to nausea and vomiting, which can deprive a body of vital fluids (although these may be obtained through intravenous fluids if necessary). Frequent throwing up can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which has serious consequences for the proper functioning of the heart. Frequent vomiting can also upset the balance of stomach acids which has a negative impact on the digestive system, especially the lining of the stomach and esophagus. For other uses, see Nausea (disambiguation). ... Vomiting (or emesis) is the forceful expulsion of the contents of ones stomach through the mouth. ...

Respiratory system

In the cases of some throat cancers, the air passages in the mouth and behind the nose may become blocked from lumps or the swelling from the open sores. If the throat cancer is near the bottom of the throat it has a high likelihood of spreading to the lungs and interfering with the person’s ability to breathe; this is even more likely if the patient is a smoker, because they are highly susceptible to lung cancer. If the respiratory system is unable to bring oxygen into the body, the oxygen deprivation will cause the body's cells to wither and die, causing one to become weaker and sicker. Look up Mouth in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Human nose in profile A typical bulbous human nose, here used to support a pair of glasses. ... The lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity. ... For the play Breath by Samuel Beckett, see Breath (play). ... Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs characterized by the presence of malignant tumours. ...

Others

Like any cancer, metastasization affects many areas of the body, as the cancer spreads from cell to cell and organ to organ. For example, if it spreads to the bone marrow, it will prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells and affects the proper functioning of the white blood cells and the body's immune system; spreading to the circulatory system will prevent oxygen from being transported to all the cells of the body; and throat cancer can throw the nervous system into chaos, making it unable to properly regulate and control the body. Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. ... Metastasis (Greek: change of the state) is the spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body. ... In biology, an organ is a group of tissues which perform some function. ... Grays Anatomy illustration of cells in bone marrow. ... Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... ... The Circulatory System is a Psychedelic Rock musical ensemble formed by musician/painter Will Cullen Hart, and featuring Hannah Jones , Derek Almstead , Peter Erchick , John Fernandes , and Heather McIntosh. ... The nervous system of an animal coordinates the activity of the muscles, monitors the organs, constructs and also stops input from the senses, and initiates actions. ...

Prevention/prophylaxis

In considering the previously listed risk factors and symptoms it makes sense that you should contact your doctor if you have a sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, or an earache that just does not seem to go away. This is also the case if your voice seems to be hoarse for a prolonged time. Family doctors have guidelines to follow from The Department of Health which indicate that a doctor should make an urgent appointment with a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) if a patient presents with difficulty in swallowing or a lump in the neck area for over three weeks or a hoarse voice which has lasted over six weeks. These symptoms may not be the result of throat cancer but just to be on the safe side they should be examined.

Not smoking and not chewing tobacco (betel, gutka or pan included) will decrease your chances of developing this disease. Other preventive measures include eating a sensible, well-balanced diet(one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Such diet can include alcohol, but only in moderation(Moderate alcohol intake is two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women). If you suspect you might have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, it is best to contact your doctor. This is also good advice to follow if you have white spots in your mouth or have developed sore which do not seem to go away. Regular visits to a dentist are also recommended because part of the dental exam includes looking at the interior of your mouth so the dentist may notice spots or sores that a patient may have been unaware of before the exam. In this case the dentist can advise a patient to check it out further by contacting their family doctor. Early detection and treatment of this disease is crucial in a patient’s fight against this disease. The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... Species Nicotiana acuminata Nicotiana alata Nicotiana attenuata Nicotiana benthamiana Nicotiana clevelandii Nicotiana excelsior Nicotiana forgetiana Nicotiana glauca Nicotiana glutinosa Nicotiana langsdorffii Nicotiana longiflora Nicotiana obtusifolia Nicotiana paniculata Nicotiana plumbagifolia Nicotiana quadrivalvis Nicotiana repanda Nicotiana rustica Nicotianasuaveolens Nicotiana sylvestris Nicotiana tabacum Nicotiana tomentosa Ref: ITIS 30562 as of August 26, 2005... Binomial name Piper betle L. The Betel (Piper betle) is a spice whose leaves have medicinal properties. ... Gutka street vendor, India Gutka (also spelled gutkha, guttkha, guthka) is a preparation of crushed betel nut, tobacco, and sweet or savory flavorings. ... Pronounced (Pah-HN). ... Functional group of an alcohol molecule. ... Acid reflux redirects here. ...

Many people may still be alive today had they taken such preventative measures. These also include some famous individuals who succumbed to this devastating disease. For example, Graham Chapman of Monty Python fame died relatively young of throat cancer. In most of his skits he is shown smoking and this was most likely what put him at heightened risk for the disease. He mentioned that the primary site of his cancer was the spot where the jet of smoke from his pipe hit the back of his throat. Likewise, Sammy Davis Junior, a heavy smoker, also died of throat cancer. The world of entertainment seems to put its stars at increased risk because smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor diets are commonly found in this environment. Dr. Seuss, also a smoker, died of related jaw cancer. Graham Chapman (8 January 1941–4 October 1989) was an English comedian and writer. ... Monty Python, or The Pythons, is the collective name of the creators of Monty Pythons Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. ... Youth with pipe, by Hendrick Jansz Terbrugghen A smoking pipe is a device used for smoking combustible substances such as tobacco and cannabis. ... Sammy Davis, Jr. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Statistics for throat cancer

• In the U.S. there were 28,900 people diagnosed with cancers of the throat and oral cavity in 2002. ^[1]
• Seventy-four hundred Americans are projected to die of these cancers. ^[1]
• More than 70% of throat cancers are at an advanced stage when discovered. ^[2]
• Men are 89% more likely than women to be diagnosed with, and are almost twice as likely to die of, these cancers. ^[1]
• African-American men are at a 50% higher risk of throat cancer than Caucasian males.^{[reference please]}
• Smoking and tobacco use are directly related to Oro-pharangeal (throat) cancer deaths. ^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Cancer Facts and Figures, http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CancerFacts&Figures2002TM.pdf,, American Cancer Society 2002.
2. ^ Throat Cancer patient information web page, http://cancer.nchmd.org/treatment.aspx?id=741, NCH Healthcare Systems, 1999
3. ^ Reducing the Health Consequences of Smoking: 25 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1989.sad