Throat cancer
Key facts
- Throat cancer includes cancers that grow in the pharynx (back of the throat).
- The main risk factors for throat cancer are smoking, drinking alcohol and infection with certain viruses.
- Symptoms of throat cancer include feeling a lump in your throat or neck, difficulty swallowing and having a sore throat or cough that won't go away.
- Throat cancer is usually treated with surgery, sometimes followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- You can reduce your risk of throat cancer by quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake.
What is throat cancer?
Throat cancer is a term referring to specific types of cancer affecting the throat.
The throat (also called pharynx) is a tube that runs from the back of the nose to the top of your food pipe (oesophagus) and the windpipe (trachea).
Throat cancer includes tumours growing in any part of the pharynx. They may affect any part of this area, including the tonsils, base of the tongue or larynx.
Throat cancers are included in the broader category of ‘head and neck cancers', which also includes mouth cancer, nasal cancer and thyroid cancer.
What are the symptoms of throat cancer?
In the early stages, throat cancer may not cause any symptoms.
If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- a lump in the neck or throat
- a sore throat or cough that won't go away
- a hoarse voice
- trouble swallowing
- coughing up phlegm (mucus) with blood in it
- persistent or recurrent blocked nose or nosebleeds
- unexplained weight loss
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes throat cancer?
It's not clear what causes throat cancer, but there are factors that can increase your risk.
You are at an increased risk of throat cancer if you smoke (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) or drink alcohol, and especially if you do both.
Other risk factors include infection with certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) — also known as glandular fever.
How is throat cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, including looking in your throat. They may refer you to a specialist such as an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a head and neck surgeon. You may also see an oncologist (cancer specialist) who will help develop a treatment plan.
You might have an examination of your throat and larynx using an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible, tube with a camera and light at the tip. You might have nasendoscopy (to examine your nose, throat and voice box), laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy, depending on where your doctor wants to see inside your body.
Your doctor might also refer you for other tests, such as:
- tissue sample (biopsy) from your throat
- blood tests
- imaging scans such as x-ray, ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan
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When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of throat cancer, especially if you have risk factors.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is throat cancer treated?
The main treatment for throat cancer is surgery to remove the cancer, or radiotherapy to kill the cancer cells.
You might also be offered chemotherapy, usually together with radiotherapy.
Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the location and stage of your cancer and your general health. If your case is complicated, your doctor may get advice from a team of different health professionals (multidisciplinary team) with experience in cancer treatment.
Living with throat cancer
Some treatments for throat cancer can lead to problems such as:
- a chronic sore throat
- breathing difficulties, which might mean you need a breathing hole (tracheostomy) in your lower neck
- problems eating, which might mean you need a feeding tube inserted (known as a nasogastric tube)
- changes to your speech
- difficulty swallowing
- wounds that need time to heal
There are things you can do to help reduce the impact of these problems on your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about what to expect and for referral to support services and resources.
The Cancer Council has a range of booklets about living well with cancer.
Can throat cancer be prevented?
Throat cancer can't be prevented, but you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Quit vaping and smoking.
- Minimise your alcohol intake.
- Ask your doctor about vaccination against HPV.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
Resources and support
- The Cancer Council in your state or territory has information and resources for people affected by cancer. For more information, call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
- Head and Neck Cancer Australia has information and support, including support groups, for people affected by head and neck cancer. Call 1300 424 848.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
- General information about cancer is available via the Cancer Councilin many community languages.
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
- The Cancer Council has information about cancer for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Our Mob and Cancer has information about living with cancer, cancer prevention and support for people going through cancer treatment.
Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?
Find cancer support services for sexually and gender-diverse families at Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Council Victoria.
Canteen has resources and support for sexually and gender-diverse young people with cancer.
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Last reviewed: June 2024
