Throat Cancer Care

Doctor doing throat examination on older man

Why choose Geisinger for throat cancer care?

Your throat cancer care should be unique to you. That’s why we work with you to develop a treatment plan. We’ll get an understanding of your diagnosis, health history and personal preferences, then collaborate to build a plan tailored to your cancer type and stage.

That plan may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Supportive therapy and rehabilitation can get you and keep you feeling healthy and strong. If appropriate, your team will offer genetic testing and counseling through the MyCode^® Community Health Initiative. It can guide treatment decisions and assess risk for you and your family.

No matter where you are in your throat cancer journey, you can count on us for support every step of the way.

Treatments and services we offer

Related specialties

Clinical trials and cancer research

Access to the latest options can make a difference. Learn about the National Cancer Institute-sponsored trials we offer.

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FAQs

What are the different types of throat cancer?

There are several types of throat cancer:

Laryngeal cancer: This is a cancer of the voice box. It can develop in any part of the larynx, and it typically originates in the area around the vocal cords.
Pharyngeal cancer: This type of throat cancer forms in the pharynx, the tube that connects the back of the nose to the top of the esophagus.
Nasopharynx: Nasopharyngeal cancer forms in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Oropharynx: This type of cancer forms in the middle part of the throat behind the mouth, including the soft palate, side and back walls of the throat, and bottom of the tongue.
Hypopharynx: This rare cancer forms in the hypopharynx, the area of the throat where the voice box and esophagus meet.
Tracheal cancer: Tracheal cancer, or cancer of the windpipe, is a rare type of cancer that can affect a person’s ability to breathe. This type of cancer is commonly seen in people who smoke.
Tonsil cancer: This type of cancer originates in the tonsils in the back of the throat. Even people who have had their tonsils removed can have cancer cells grow in the small amounts of remaining tonsil tissue.

What are some common symptoms of throat cancer?

Symptoms of throat cancer can often seem like nothing — maybe even just a bad cold, sinus problems or allergies. If you have new or bothersome symptoms or symptoms that last longer than a week or two, you should call your doctor and get your symptoms checked and rule out any health issues.

Symptoms of throat cancer may include:

Noticeable changes in your voice
A sore throat that doesn’t go away
Trouble swallowing
Voice changes
Ear pain
A lump in the neck
Significant, unintentional weight loss
Persistent cough or coughing up blood
Wheezing
A hoarse voice

How is throat cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose throat cancer, your doctor may perform a physical exam or order imaging tests, endoscopy or biopsy to confirm your cancer type and determine how far it has spread.

What are the risk factors for throat cancer?

Risk factors for throat cancer include:

Tobacco use: Most head and neck cancers, including throat cancer, are linked to tobacco use. This includes smokeless tobacco, cigarettes and pipes. Tobacco use is the single largest risk factor for cancers of the head and neck.
Alcohol use: Prolonged, heavy alcohol use greatly increases your risk of certain types of head and neck cancer, including throat cancer.
Other risk factors: Other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing throat cancer include human papillomavirus (HPV), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and poor diet.