Throat Cancer

Throat Cancer Treatment at Garnet Health

A throat cancer diagnosis requires comfort, hope and education about this condition and your treatment options. You’ll find reliable information and highly specialized care at the Head and Neck Cancer Program at Garnet Health. We’re here, close to home, for residents of Orange County and Sullivan County, as well as across the Hudson Valley. 

What Is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that can originate in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces of your larynx (voice box) or pharynx (upper throat immediately below your mouth and nasal cavity).

If cells develop genetic mutations, they may begin to grow and divide very rapidly. The accumulating cells can then bind together and form a tumor in your throat. In most cases, throat cancer affects the middle section of the pharynx (oropharynx), which includes your tonsils, soft palate and the base of your tongue.

Throat Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

The symptoms of throat cancer can vary based on the location of the tumor. Some general signs include:

• Vocal changes, such as hoarseness or slurring
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlarged lymph nodes or a lump in your neck
• Difficulty opening your mouth or moving your tongue
• A mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal
• A persistent sore throat
• Unexplained weight loss

Causes

Although the source of the cellular mutations that lead to throat cancer is unclear, researchers have identified several factors that may increase your risk. The majority of people diagnosed with throat cancer either use tobacco products — such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff and chew — or excessively consume alcoholic beverages. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, is believed to be associated with the growing prevalence of oropharynx throat cancer. In addition to HPV, other risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

There are several ways to treat throat cancer, including surgery to remove all or part of the larynx (laryngectomy), radiation treatment and chemotherapy. After a laryngectomy, a new airway may be created through the front of your neck (tracheostomy). It’s important to explore all of your treatment options with our team, as well as their outcomes and possible side effects, to ensure you choose the option that best meets your needs.

Easily Accessible Specialty Care

When you turn to Garnet Health for throat cancer treatment, you will receive compassionate and personalized care from a team of renowned head and neck cancer specialists. Working together, we will find the best possible combination of therapies to effectively treat your cancer.

Additionally, quality-of-life considerations are a key component of the care you receive at Garnet Health. Throughout your healthcare journey, our head and neck cancer team will keep a close watch to make sure that you have access to the resources and support you need to cope with living with cancer and any side effects of its treatment. 

Garnet Health provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and supportive care services for throat cancer in Orange and Sullivan Counties, including Middletown, Harris and Callicoon, NY.