Throat cancer

Symptoms and causes

Origin

It can occur in different areas of the neck, mouth and throat areas, and it can cause wide-ranging symptoms (of the tonsils, tongue, vocal cords...).

Symptoms

Possible complaints include:

hoarseness
swallowing problems
pain
losing weight
...

These symptoms are also quite common with benign conditions.

Risk factors

The most common risk factors for throat cancer are smoking and frequent alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Your physician will carry out a clinical examination with laryngoscopy and request imaging for more details if necessary (ultrasound imaging, CT scan, MRI, PET-CT). An endoscopy with biopsy under anaesthesia, performed at the outpatient hospital, may be indicated in order to examine the throat cancer.

The results are always discussed in a multidisciplinary team (ENT physicians, oncologists, radiologists, radiotherapists and anatomopathologists). Then the most appropriate treatment will be discussed with you (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery) and there will be strict follow-up.

Treatment centres and specialisations

Ear, nose, and throat diseases (ENT)

ENT, otorhinolaryngology, ORL

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith