This resource guide is intended to provide general and supportive information about cancer of the pharynx to patients, caregivers and other interested parties.

If you would like additional information or print copies of the brochures listed below, please stop by the Community Cancer Resource Center (CCRC), call the ASK-RPCI line at 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email ASKRPCI@roswellpark.org.

General

Throat cancer is defined as cancer that forms in tissues of the pharynx (the hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the windpipe and esophagus). Throat cancer includes cancer of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose), the oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx), and the hypopharynx (the bottom part of the pharynx). This resource guide addresses all three of these types of phyaryngeal cancer.

Head and Neck Cancer: Questions and Answers – This National Cancer Institute (NCI) fact sheet (6.37)provides an overview of head and neck cancer, its causes, risk factors and symptoms; diagnostic exams and treatments are also touched upon.

Cancer.Net - The patient information Web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). With nearly 25,000 members in the United States and abroad, ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. Cancer.Net provides timely, oncologist-approved information to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions, including information on cancer of the pharynx: Hypopharyngeal, Nasopharyngeal, and Oropharyngeal.

Additional general information on lab tests, diagnostic testing and imaging, pathology, etc.

Screening and Prevention

No screening tests are available and because a tumor may grow in the throat for some time before symptoms appear, early detection may be difficult.

Treatment

Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – This NCI document details treatment options for patients with hypopharyngeal cancer treatment. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – This NCI document details treatment options for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treatment cancer. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – This NCI document details treatment options for patients with oropharyngeal cancer treatment cancer. Document is available in patient or health professional version.

Additional treatment information for all types of cancer.

Treatment Related Issues

Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation (PDQ®) – Oral complications are common in cancer patients, especially those with head and neck cancer. This summary describes oral complications caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy and various methods of prevention and treatment.

Information on treatment related issues for all types of cancer.

Nutrition

Nutrition information for people with all types of cancer.

Resources and Support

Cancer support materials for people with all types of cancer.

Learn more about RPCI's Head and Neck Cancer Support Group.

Organizations

Oral Cancer Foundation – The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support activities.

Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer, Inc. –  A patient-directed, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients.  Founded in 1991 by an oral cancer survivor, addresses the broad emotional, physical and humanistic needs of this population.

Learn about other organizations for people will all types of cancer.
 

Survivorship Resources

Learn about our survivorship resources for patients, care givers and loved ones.