The causes of throat cancer have not yet been sufficiently clarified by experts. External influences mainly play a role in its development.
In the case of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, the causes usually lie in excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco. In particular, the combination of both, i.e. the simultaneous consumption of alcohol and tobacco, increases the risk of throat cancer. Alcohol has a weakening effect on the natural protective function of the pharyngeal mucosa. Alcohol therefore presumably potentiates the carcinogenic effect of tobacco.
People who often suffer from diseases of the stomach and intestines (such as heartburn) also have a higher risk of developing the disease.
In addition, nasopharyngeal cancer is often endemic, i.e. it occurs more frequently in certain regions of the world than elsewhere. It is often associated with an Epstein-Barr virus infection. This virus is a so-called DNA virus that can trigger Pfeiffer's glandular fever (mononucleosis or also known as "kissing disease").
There are also occupational risk factors for developing nasopharyngeal cancer: people who regularly come into contact with carcinogenic substances at work have an increased risk of developing cancer. These substances include formaldehyde, for example.
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are also suspected of promoting carcinomas in the neck and head area. HP viruses are usually better known for the diseases they cause in the genital area. For example, it has been proven that some HP viruses are the main cause of cervical carcinomas.
The proportion of tumors caused by HPV viruses in the throat has risen significantly in recent years.
Last but not least, hereditary factors can also play a role in throat cancer.
Throat cancer can occur in various areas of the throat © RFBSIP | AdobeStock
Pharyngeal carcinomas can develop from various precancerous stages (known as precancerous lesions). These often develop into tumors.
The following precancerous forms can precede the development of pharyngeal cancer:
- Leukoplakia (white callus disease, leukokeratosis): White, non-wipeable area of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Promoted by tobacco and alcohol consumption, viral diseases, mechanical stimuli, iron deficiency, vitamin A and B deficiency, poor oral hygiene.
- Hyperplasia: excessive increase in the number of mucosal cells.
- Dysplasia: excessive formation of mucosal cells with a simultaneous change in the appearance of the cells.
Precancerous lesions are often only discovered by chance. Once diagnosed, they should either be treated by a doctor or undergo regular check-ups. This can prevent malignant tumors from developing at a later stage.
Pharyngeal cancer often causes no symptoms for a long time. This is why many tumors are only discovered at an advanced stage.
In over 50 percent of cases, carcinomas are only diagnosed when metastases have already developed in the cervical lymph nodes. The lymph nodes enlarge, but do not cause any pain. This swelling of the lymph nodes is usually the first symptom that those affected notice.
The signs of throat cancer are as varied as its location. Depending on the location, the following pharyngeal cancer symptoms may occur.
In nasopharyngeal cancer:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- persistent runny nose
- obstructed nasal breathing
- Chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
- Hearing loss (a consequence of reduced ventilation in the middle ear)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- with large tumors: Nerve failure in the brain area, resulting in impaired vision (double vision), pain in the face.
- Headaches
In oral cavity cancer:
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Sore throat
- earache
- Restricted tongue activity (speech problems)
- Chewing muscle spasm, resulting in problems opening the mouth
- Bleeding in the throat or mouth area
- bad breath
With pharyngeal cancer:
- Difficulty swallowing
- sore throat
- Excessive salivation
- bloody discharge (sputum)
- Foreign body sensation in the throat
- Infestation of the larynx: impaired vocal cord function with hoarseness
- shortness of breath
- Noticeable weight loss (after infestation of the oesophagus)
The treatment of pharyngeal cancer depends on the type and location of the tumor. For many types of tumor, it is possible to surgically remove the malignant tissue.
An important aim of treatment is to maintain the patient's quality of life, i.e. to enable them to
- Eating,
- drinking,
- speaking and
- breathing
breathing.
There is no general prognosis for pharyngeal cancer life expectancy, as this depends on the individual case. The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinomas is fundamentally different from that of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas.
The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinomas
As a rule, nasopharyngeal cancer is treated with radiotherapy, as surgery is often not possible in the affected areas. The cervical lymph nodes are also usually included in the radiation treatment.
According to the latest research, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is even more effective. If there are still metastases in the lymph nodes after treatment, these are surgically removed if possible.
The treatment of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas
In the case of oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, the aim is to operate on the tumor. In many cases, this surgical procedure is an option, often in combination with radiotherapy.
The access for the surgical procedure is
- through the mouth,
- through the lower jaw,
- through the neck or
- under the chin (behind the lower jaw bone).
If the tumor has spread, the cervical lymph nodes are often also removed.
