Classification of throat cancer

Mostly throat cancer is classified according to its location. The pharynx consists of 3 levels, the upper pharynx (epipharynx) or also nasopharynx (nasopharynx). Carcinomas located in this level are called corresponding nasopharyngeal or epipharyngeal carcinomas.

The middle level (mesopharynx) is connected to the oral cavity and is therefore also called oropharynx (from Latin oris = mouth). Carcinomas of the middle throat are therefore called oropharyngeal or mesopharyngeal carcinomas. The lower throat (hypopharynx) is connected to the larynx, the larynx is also called larynx.

Accordingly, this part of the throat is also called laryngopharynx and carcinomas in this area are called hypopharyngeal or laryngopharyngeal carcinomas. Furthermore, carcinomas can still be classified according to their cell type, different cell types that are degenerated can have different causes. An important further classification, which is also used for other tumor types, is the TNM classification, in which the tumor is classified according to tumor size and spread.

Preliminary stages of throat cancer

In the throat area, changes in the mucous membrane can often be detected even before the actual throat cancer occurs, which then leads to a malignant tumor. These preliminary stages are called precanceroses.A precancerous condition in the throat is leukoplakia, a whitish, nonpainful discoloration of the mucosa, which typically cannot be peeled off. Excessive proliferation of mucosal cells can also represent a precancerous condition. Precanceroses should be urgently diagnosed, treated or at least kept in mind, as they can lead to a malignant tumor.

Risk factors

Throat cancer is mainly promoted by external environmental influences. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, for example, clearly favour the development of oro or hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The combination of both is extremely harmful.

Alcohol causes damage to the pharyngeal mucosa, which then becomes particularly vulnerable to the carcinogenic substances introduced with smoking. In the meantime, however, a further risk factor for the development of throat cancer has been identified. For example, infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV), which are actually known to cause cancer of the genital area, can also promote the development of cancer of the throat.

To avoid such an infection, adequate oral hygiene is of crucial importance. Risk factors for throat cancer in the nasopharynx are an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which usually triggers Pfeiffer’s glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis). A carcinoma of the nasopharynx caused by EBV is more common in Asia and East Africa.

Another risk factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is, for example, frequent exposure to the chemical formaldehyde. As is the case with many cancers, the genetic component also plays a role, i.e. if throat cancer occurs in close family members, one also has an increased risk of developing throat cancer oneself. Cancer of the mouth and throat includes cancer of the palate. The following article explains how you can recognize a palatal cancer and how it is treated if present: Palatal cancer – What you should consider