pharynx cancer

Pharyngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, refers to cancer that develops in the tissues of the pharynx, which is the hollow, muscular tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and opens into the larynx (voice box) [2]. This type of cancer can occur in different parts of the pharynx, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx [8].

The symptoms of pharyngeal cancer may include a painless lump in the upper neck, as well as other signs such as:

• A sore throat (pharyngitis) that doesn't go away
• Pain or difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia)
• Weight loss and fatigue
• Ear pain or hearing changes

Pharyngeal cancer occurs when cells in the throat start to grow and spread abnormally, destroying healthy tissue [5]. This can be caused by a combination of factors, including tobacco and/or alcohol use, as well as certain viruses.

There are different types of pharyngeal cancer, including:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of pharyngeal cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer occurs in the glandular cells of the pharynx.
• Small cell carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive form of pharyngeal cancer.

Early detection and treatment of pharyngeal cancer can improve survival rates. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches [9].

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Pharyngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Persistent sore throat: A sore throat that doesn't go away is a common symptom of pharyngeal cancer [1].
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Pain or difficulty with swallowing food can be an indication of the disease [3].
• Neck lump: A lump in the neck, especially if it persists, could be a sign of pharyngeal cancer [4].
• Ringing or new pain in the ears: Some people may experience ringing or new pain in their ears due to the tumor's location [2][7].
• Chronic headaches and facial pain: Headaches and facial pain can occur as a result of the tumor pressing on surrounding nerves and tissues [5][9].
• Nosebleeds and nasal congestion: Some individuals may experience nosebleeds or a blocked nose due to the tumor's proximity to the nasal passages [2][8].
• Changes in hearing: Changes in hearing, such as difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears, can be symptoms of pharyngeal cancer [1][7].

It is essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

References: [1] - Symptoms of pharyngeal cancer · Changes in hearing · Chronic headaches · Chronic sore throat · Difficulty breathing or swallowing · Hoarseness or other voice changes ... [2] - Symptoms · Swelling of the neck · Persistent headaches · Nasal congestion (a blocked nose) · Facial pain · Nosebleeds · Changes in hearing · Ringing in the ears ( [3] - Common oropharyngeal cancer symptoms include: A sore throat (pharyngitis) that doesn't go away. Pain or difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia). [4] - Jun 3, 2022 — Pharyngeal cancer symptoms · Sore throat without other cold or flu symptoms, especially if it persists · Neck lump · Ringing or new pain in the ... [5] - Common throat cancer signs and symptoms · Chronic coughing, possibly expelling bloody phlegm · Nosebleeds · Frequent headaches and facial pain · A lump in the back ... [7] - Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer · Sore throat that does not go away. · Painful or difficulty swallowing. · Earache. · Coughing up blood. · Change in voice or ... [8] - Trouble swallowing: Throat cancer can cause pain or a burning sensation when chewing and swallowing food. You might feel like food is sticking in your throat. [9] - Jan 21, 2021 — Other signs and symptoms · A sore throat that does not go away · Pain when swallowing · Trouble swallowing · Ear pain · Trouble breathing ...

Diagnostic Tests for Pharyngeal Cancer

Pharyngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose pharyngeal cancer:

• Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy: This is often the first test in a throat cancer diagnosis. During this procedure, a doctor passes a small camera through the nose and examines the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. This allows the doctor to determine if a biopsy is needed [1].
• Biopsy: In a biopsy, doctors retrieve suspected cancer tissue for study under a microscope. A biopsy can be performed during a fiberoptic laryngoscopy procedure [5].
• Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests may be performed to help formulate a throat cancer diagnosis, including:
  • Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create an image of the area inside the body. Doctors may order a neck ultrasound to look for signs of oral cancer [4].
  • CT Scan or MRI: These tests use special x-rays and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the throat and surrounding areas. They can help determine if the malignancy has spread beyond the throat [6, 13].
• Blood Tests: While no blood test can diagnose cancer in the oral cavity or oropharynx, doctors may order routine blood tests to get a general idea of the patient's overall health [3].

These diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of pharyngeal cancer and determine its stage. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

References:

[1] Context result 5 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 7 [6] Context result 10 [13] Context result 13

Treatment Options for Pharynx Cancer

Pharynx cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, can be treated with various drug therapies to manage the disease. Here are some common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like radiation therapy.
  • Combination chemotherapy: This involves using multiple drugs together to target cancer cells more effectively (see [5] and [7]).
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are designed to specifically target proteins on cancer cells that help them grow, spread, and live longer. Examples include:
  • Cetuximab: A monoclonal antibody used for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer (see [6])
• Chemoradiation: This treatment combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy to kill cancer cells more effectively.

Common Chemotherapy Drugs

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat pharynx cancer include:

• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin
• Taxotere
• 5-fluorouracil

Treatment Recommendations

Treatment recommendations for pharynx cancer often involve the use of single-agent or combination chemotherapy (see [7]). Targeted drug therapy can also be used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth (see [3]).

References:

[1] Common drugs given to manage oropharyngeal cancer include cisplatin, carboplatin, taxotere, and 5-fluorouracil. [2] Dec 13, 2023 — Drugs Approved for Head and Neck Cancer · Bleomycin Sulfate · Cetuximab · Docetaxel · Erbitux (Cetuximab) · Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) · Hydroxyurea ... [3] Mar 23, 2021 — Targeted drug therapy can be used to treat oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers by destroying cancer cells or slowing their growth. [4] by PDQATE Board · 2023 · Cited by 1 — Oropharyngeal cancer treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy with radiation, chemotherapy alone, targeted therapy ... [5] Chemotherapy is used to treat oropharyngeal cancer. Learn how and when chemotherapy is used and what chemotherapy combination drugs are used. Learn more on ... [6] Cetuximab is a targeted cancer drug used for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. It is a type of targeted drug called a monoclonal antibody. [7] Sep 8, 2023 — Treatment recommendations include the use of single-agent or combination chemotherapy. [8] Jan 21, 2021 — Targeted drug therapy is the use of medicines that target or are directed at proteins on cancer cells that help them grow, spread, and live longer. [9] Sep 15, 2022 — Chemotherapy is often used along with radiation therapy in treating throat cancers. Certain chemotherapy drugs make cancer cells more sensitive ...

Pharyngeal Cancer Differential Diagnosis

Pharyngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms. However, there are several conditions that can mimic the symptoms of pharyngeal cancer and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of pharyngeal cancer, accounting for 90% of cases [6]. Squamous cell carcinoma can present with a lump or sore on the tongue, tonsils, or other areas of the throat.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that can affect the lymph nodes in the neck and throat, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and difficulty swallowing [5].
• Actinic keratosis: Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition that can develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, including the lips and mouth. It can present with a lump or sore on the vermillion border of the lip [7].
• Erythroplasia: Erythroplasia is a rare type of cancer that affects the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. It can present with a brightly colored, painful lesion [7].
• Lichen planus: Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth and throat. It can present with symptoms such as pain, itching, and difficulty swallowing.
• Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by white patches or lesions on the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. It can be a precursor to cancer.
• Lichenoid lesions: Lichenoid lesions are inflammatory conditions that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth and throat.
• Oral candidiasis: Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection that can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and difficulty swallowing.
• Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which can cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

It's essential to note that these conditions can have overlapping symptoms with pharyngeal cancer, making differential diagnosis crucial. A thorough medical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer.

References: [1] - Not applicable [2] - Not applicable [3] - Not applicable [4] - Not applicable [5] - by O Sanders · 2022 · Cited by 21 — Differential Diagnosis​​ Other neoplasms such as that could cause both cervical lymphadenopathy and dysphagia or globus symptoms, including ... [6] - by Z Jamal · 2023 · Cited by 20 — Differential Diagnosis · Actinic keratosis · Erythroplasia · Lichen planus · Leukoplakias · Lichenoid lesions · Oral candidiasis · Tonsillitis. [7] - May 5, 2021 — Differential Diagnoses · Actinic Keratosis. If patient presents with a lump on vermillion border of the lip. · Erythroplasia. Brightly colored, ...