24 Apr, 2025
24 Apr, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Ganesh Agarwal, Consultant - Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, HCG-Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, Ranchi.
Throat cancer is an umbrella term for many different cancers of the throat, such as pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Early detection and timely interventions are crucial for the effective management of throat cancers.
Is throat cancer curable?
The cancer specialists at HCG often come across questions like “Is throat cancer curable?” and “Can throat cancer be cured?”
The answer to this question is complex, as the throat cancer cure rate depends on multiple factors, including the type of throat cancer, its stage and grade, the patient’s age and overall health, the treatment response shown by the patient, and more.
In recent years, the throat cancer treatment success rate has risen significantly due to progress made in the field of throat cancer management. There are different throat cancer treatments. These treatments include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.
Learning about the risk factors of throat cancer, its early symptoms, and different treatment options available can help one make informed health decisions.
Throat cancer is classified based on the specific part of the throat it affects. The major types of throat cancer include:
Nasopharyngeal cancer arises in the cells that line the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat situated at the back of the nose.
Nasopharyngeal cancer is rare and only occurs in specific parts of the world, like Southeast Asia. The risk factors for throat cancer of this type include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and inheriting certain genes.
Commonly observed symptoms include ear pain, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, a lump in the neck, a blocked nose, and more.
Oropharyngeal cancer arises from the oropharynx, comprising the tonsils and the base of the tongue. Chronic HPV infection is the biggest risk factor for this cancer type.
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include dysphagia, prolonged sore throat, wounds that won’t heal, a lump in the neck, voice changes, ear pain, and unintended weight loss.
Hypopharyngeal cancer occurs at the base of the throat, just above the esophagus and windpipe. This type of cancer is difficult to diagnose at its early stages since it shows unclear signs that become evident at advanced stages.
Smoking and alcohol use are identified as the possible causes for hypopharyngeal cancer.
Commonly observed symptoms are persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing and chewing, voice changes, and ear pain.
Glottic cancer refers to the cancer that arises from the vocal cords, part of the voice box (larynx).
Hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing are the common symptoms of glottic cancer.
Supraglottic cancer, another type of throat cancer, forms on the top part of the larynx above the vocal cords and moves fast to the adjacent lymph nodes.
Symptoms of throat cancer of this type may include having trouble swallowing, a lump in the throat, or experiencing any changes in the voice.
The area below the vocal cords is where subglottic cancer develops. It is the third most frequent form of laryngeal cancer, and it is usually detected in advanced stages.
Commonly observed symptoms of subglottic cancer include chronic coughs and shortness of breath.
Survival rates for throat cancer depend on the type, stage at diagnosis, and overall health of the patient. The throat cancer survival rate by age is not constant either. Generally, the five-year survival rates for throat cancers in different stages are:
The stage at which throat cancer is diagnosed and treated has a significant impact on the survival rates. For instance, the stage 2 throat cancer survival rate stands at 60–75%, whereas the survival rates for stage 1 throat cancer stand at 70–90%.
The prognosis also varies based on age, overall health, and how well the patient responds to treatment. Most times, patients who receive multimodal treatments (a combination of two or more treatments), such as operation and radiotherapy, have an improved prognosis.
The symptoms of throat cancer vary depending on the specific type. The following are some of the commonly observed symptoms of throat cancer:
These symptoms often mimic less serious conditions, making early diagnosis critical for improving survival rates.
Various factors have been identified as potential causes of throat cancer, and they include:
These factors contribute to an increased risk, making prevention strategies essential.
Individuals who are regularly exposed to industrial chemicals or pollutants should take extra precautions to protect themselves.
Throat cancer treatment demands a personalized and patient-focused approach, wherein specialists consider several factors, such as the type, stage, exact location, and the patient’s overall health, before devising the best possible treatment plan.
The different treatment approaches available for throat cancer include:
In some cases, radiation therapy is used alone for treating first-stage throat cancer and also in combination with other therapies for advanced stages of the disease.
Watch this video as one of our specialists explains the key aspects of throat cancer treatment:
During surgery, the tumor and a small portion of the surrounding healthy tissue may be removed, or the entire organ, depending on the extent of the disease’s spread.
Advanced-stage throat cancer often requires laryngectomy and pharyngectomy surgeries. Patients who have their larynx removed usually need rehabilitation care involving speech therapy, stoma usage, or learning to live with a voice prosthetic device.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy or prevent the spread of cancerous cells. It is usually combined with radiotherapy to improve the overall treatment effectiveness.
Chemotherapy may be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy may cause various side effects in some patients, and in such cases, patients should speak to their care team for help.
This is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by preventing the action of certain substances.
For instance, in the treatment of throat cancer, cetuximab is administered as a targeted drug, which blocks the EGFR protein that is responsible for the growth of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy involves stimulating the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells. It is most beneficial for advanced or recurrent throat cancers. Research studies are investigating fresh combinations of immunotherapies to optimize the treatment outcome for throat cancer.
Life expectancy for throat cancer patients depends on the type, stage, and overall health. With early detection and proper treatment, many patients achieve long-term survival.
The average 5-year survival rates for throat cancer by stage are:
The throat cancer prognosis is better for those diagnosed in earlier stages. If caught early, throat cancer is curable in many cases, and advancements in treatment have improved the chances of more favorable health outcomes.
To lower the risk factors for throat cancer, consider these preventive measures:
Throat cancer is a common type of cancer that can be effectively managed with early detection and personalized treatment approaches.
Adopting throat cancer prevention strategies can help reduce the overall risk of throat cancer. Regular health checkups or screenings can help in early detection and timely intervention.
Different treatment options available for throat cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Early-stage throat cancers have relatively better survival rates than advanced-stage throat cancers.
Dr. Ganesh Agarwal
Consultant - Head and Neck Oncology
MBBS, MS (ENT), MCh (Head & Neck Surgery)
Dr. Ganesh Agarwal is a seasoned surgical oncologist who specializes in the surgical management of head and neck cancers. He has over 14 years of experience performing simple to complex surgeries for head and neck malignancies. At HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, the top cancer hospital in Ranchi, he is practicing as a senior consultant in head and neck surgical oncology. He has vast experience in treating complex head and neck cancer cases and is known for charting treatment plans that prioritize both the treatment outcomes and the quality of life of his patients.
Appointment Link: Book an Appointment with Dr. Ganesh Agarwal.
