Cancer – throat or larynx : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Alternate Names : Vocal cord cancer, Throat cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Cancer of the glottis
Definition
Cancer of the throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
People who smoke or otherwise use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancers.
Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers.
Pictures & Images
Throat anatomy
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Oropharynx
Food passes from the mouth to the oropharynx (back of the throat) to the esophagus.
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Cancer – throat or larynx : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cancer – throat or larynx : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cancer – throat or larynx : Treatment
Review Date : 2/1/2010
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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