Symptoms of throat cancer

The pharynx is the organ that starts behind the nose and down the throat into the esophagus. It is part of the soft palate, the base of the tongue and tonsils. Its function is to allow the passage of air into the trachea, and food into the esophagus.

Pharynx cancer

Pharynx cancer may present with difficulty swallowing and swallowing pain radiating to the ears.

Sometimes, if the disease has spread to the larynx, discomfort may be unspecific or associated with dyspnea or dysphonia.

Pharynx cancer may affect the cavum or nasopharynx, which is the back of the nose and the oropharynx (including tonsils), to the back wall of the pharynx or tongue base. Also hypopharynx, including piriform sinus, folds or cervical esophagus.

Pharyngeal cancer diagnosis

Fundamentally, the diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer is performed by endoscopic examination and biopsy. Imaging tests, such as a scanner or MRI, can help both diagnostically and delineating the extent.

Pharyngeal cancer treatment

Treatment pharyngeal cancer depend on each case. open or transoral surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be used.