Understanding the Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Squamous cell carcinoma of the throat is a type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the cells that line the throat. This type of cancer may appear in the windpipe, tonsils, or voice box. It affects the squamous cells in these areas.

These cells are flat and thin. They cover the inside of the skin, mouth, and throat. Doctors might say where the cancer is by its throat location. We don’t know the exact cause of this cancer. Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, having HPV, being older, and being male make it more likely.

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Key Takeaways

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the throat is a type of head and neck cancer that starts in the throat’s lining.
• The exact cause is unknown, but we know that smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, HPV, age, and sex are key factors.
• It may develop in the windpipe, tonsils, or voice box.
• Doctors can identify where the cancer is in the throat.
• Knowing about the causes and risks helps prevent and spot this cancer early.

Overview of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Squamous cell carcinoma of the throat is a cancer that forms in the throat’s lining cells. It starts in the voice box, tonsils, or epiglottis. It’s the most common head and neck cancer, making up over 90% of cases.

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Throat?

This cancer begins in flat, thin squamous cells lining the mouth, throat, and skin. It can develop anywhere in the throat. Doctors might name it based on where exactly the cancer is found.

Different Types and Locations

Types include nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal (laryngopharyngeal) cancer. They’re named for where they start, like the voice box or tonsils.

Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Certain lifestyle habits and personal characteristics can up the risk for squamous cell carcinoma in the throat. Knowing these risk factors is key to catching and stopping the cancer early.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Smoking tobacco and overdoing it with alcohol are big factors. People who both smoke and drink a lot are much more likely to get this cancer. This is compared to those who don’t smoke or drink as much.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16, is a big player too. About 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. are due to HPV infection.

Age and Gender

Being older significantly adds to the risk. More than half of the people diagnosed with certain throat cancers are over 65. Also, males are much more likely to get these cancers than females.

Environmental Exposures

Some unusual factors also raise the risk. These include not eating enough vegetables and fruits, chewing betel quid, bad nutrition, smoking marijuana, and certain environmental toxins.

Understanding the Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Cancer in the throat comes from genetic changes. These changes make cells grow too much and live too long. A bunch of these changed cells can make a tumor in the throat.

Genetic Mutations and Uncontrolled Cell Growth

The main reason for throat cancer is lots of genetic changes. These changes make cells grow out of control. They also mess up with how cells normally die, letting them form a throat tumor.

Role of HPV in Oropharyngeal Cancers

For cancers linked to HPV, the mouth can be infected for a long time. This can cause pre-cancer that might grow into a serious cancer within 10 years. But, a lot of times, the body clears the HPV within one to two years. So, only a few people with HPV get this type of cancer.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Squamous cell carcinoma in the throat shows various signs, linked to its place and stage. A frequent sign is a sore throat that won’t go away. This happens because the tumor blocks the throat. It can be hard to swallow, too. When cancer affects the voice box, your voice might change. You might sound hoarse or breathy.

Problems breathing are also a key symptom. You might feel like there’s something in your throat. This makes it tough to breathe as the tumor grows and blocks the airway. Weight loss for no reason and ear pain might also pop up, although less often.

Remember, these signs don’t only mean throat cancer. They could signal other issues. Getting checked by a doctor is crucial. They can figure out what’s going on and suggest the right steps.

Diagnosis and Staging of Throat Cancer

Diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the throat starts with a thorough look. Doctors check the throat with a light and camera. This helps them see any strange areas or growths.

Physical Examination and Endoscopy

Doctors do a close-up exam of your neck and throat. They check for any lumps or unusual spots. An endoscope might be used to look deep into your throat. This shows the doctor the possible size and location of any tumor.

Imaging Tests and Biopsy

If signs point to squamous cell carcinoma, more tests are needed. CT, MRI, or PET scans help see the tumor. A biopsy is crucial. It means taking a small piece of tissue for testing under a microscope.

HPV Testing and Staging System

Testing for HPV is key for some throat cancers. Knowing if the cancer is HPV-positive can affect the outlook. The AJCC has a system to stage these cancers. It looks at the tumor’s size, lymph nodes, and if the cancer has spread elsewhere.

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Throat

Healthcare pros use surgery, radiation, and chemo to fight this cancer. For smaller tumors, they might pick surgery or radiation alone. But bigger or faster-spreading cancers need more. They might do surgery first and then radiation, or give chemo and radiation together.

There are new surgeries that are very small, like using lasers or robots. These help save the patient’s voice and swallowing. This is important for the patients’ lives after the treatment.

The actual treatment for a patient depends on the cancer stage, where it is, and the patient’s health and choices. Doctors and patients work together to make a plan. The goal is to beat the cancer with the least impact on the patient’s daily life.