Origins of Throat Cancer
Almost 6,000 Americans died of throat cancer in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society, many of whom were smokers as they run the highest risk of developing the disease. Throat cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, can begin in any of the three areas of the pharynx--the nasopharynx, the hypopharynx or the oropharynx. The nasopharynx is located in back of the thread and behind the nose, while the hypopharynx is found on the throat's bottom. The oropharynx is made up of the tongue's base, soft palate and the back of the mouth.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms may include a lump or a sore that refuses to heal, a continual cough or sore throat or problems swallowing and hoarseness. The disease occurs in four stages, according to the degree the cancer has spread. The first three stages are considered early stages because the cancer isn't large and is contained locally. Usually radiation therapy or surgery can stop the disease before it spreads further. It is important to know the stage so that your doctor can determine if cancer has spread--and if so where. Besides an examination of the throat, other diagnostic devices may include X-rays and laboratory tests.
Stage I
Most throat cancers develop on the vocal cords, and then later spread to the larynx or voice box. At Stage I the cancer is small and measures less than 1 inch or about 2 cm. At this point, it hasn't spread to the lymph nodes so the prognosis for recovery is good if treatment begins immediately. If located in the glottis of the larynx (supraglottis), vocal cords are able to move normally.
Stage II
Although Stage II is still considered an early stage, by this time the cancer has grown, now measuring from 1 to 2 inches (or greater than 2 cm, but less than 4 cm). The outlook for recovery is good as it hasn't extended out to the lymph nodes and is still confined to either the pharynx or larynx.
Stage III
As the cancer enters Stage III, it has grown to more than 2 inches (4 cm or more). It's also begun to spread to a lymph node located on same neck side where the primary cancer originated. The size of the cancer in the lymph node measures slightly more than 1 inch. If the cancer is small enough and it is possible to remove the single involved lymph node, Stage III is still considered early. However, Stage III cancers that are larger are termed "locally advanced." Treatment usually calls for surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapies.
Stage IV
By Stage IV, the cancer has grown large and has traveled to the lips and mouth, besides spreading to several lymph nodes on the same neck side. On the other hand, it could have spread to the lymph node situated on the alternate side. One lymph node can also have a diameter that is larger than 3 inches (or more than 6 cm).
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