According to Dr. Kahmke, throat cancer can be categorized into several types. Oropharyngeal cancer starts in the upper part of the throat, including areas such as the soft palate, tonsils, and base of the tongue. Hypopharyngeal cancer begins in the lower part of the throat above the esophagus and trachea. Laryngeal cancer originates in the voice box and is sometimes considered a type of throat cancer.
Dr. Kahmke explains that tumor stages play a significant role in understanding throat cancer. “Early-stage tumors (stage 1 and 2) tend to be smaller, have not invaded nearby structures like the larynx, and have no or minimal lymph node involvement,” he said. As tumors invade adjacent structures or involve more lymph nodes, they reach advanced stages (stage 3 and 4). The highest stages (stage 4b and 4c) are associated with unresectable or metastatic cancers.
Treatment options for throat cancer generally include radiation or surgery as primary methods, according to Dr. Kahmke. For advanced-stage tumors, both treatments may be recommended for optimal outcomes. “Success between radiation and surgery depends on the tumor’s stage and location,” he noted.
Chemotherapy can enhance radiation effectiveness, while chemotherapy or immunotherapy might be used before surgery to preserve critical structures or predict treatment response.
Common side effects from treatment include impacts on breathing, swallowing, speech, taste changes, chewing problems, dry mouth, fibrosis (build-up of fibrous tissue), and neck stiffness.
Dr. Kahmke stated that many cases of throat cancer are curable. The likelihood of a cure is influenced by factors such as diagnosis stage; earlier-stage tumors typically result in better outcomes. Throat cancers that spread beyond head and neck regions usually have poorer outcomes. Tobacco use and HPV-related tumors also significantly affect curability.
Recurrence rates depend on initial diagnosis stage, treatments undergone, and specific pathologic features like spreading into fatty tissue near lymph nodes or nerves after surgery according to Dr.Kahmke.”Because most recurrences happen within first two years,you can be considered ‘cured’ when cancer hasn’t returned five years after completing treatment.”
