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Head and Neck Cancer
Hospital  >  Care Programs  >  Odette Cancer Program  >  Head and neck cancer care  >  Pharynx and/or larynx cancers (throat)
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Pharynx and/or larynx cancers (throat)

Our experts in medical and radiation oncology, head and neck surgery, and speech and rehabilitation therapy offer specialized care for patients. We provide treatment options for pharynx and larynx cancers at all stages.

Risk assessment

We assess for risk factors for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer (e.g. infected by human papillomavirus –HPV, history of smoking and/or alcohol use). Educational events for cancer treatment, prevention, and care are resources to help patients have reduce complications. Also, we ensure frequent follow-up procedures after surgical treatment (adjuvant therapy).

Diagnosis & treatment options

Tests that help diagnose and stage pharyngeal & laryngeal cancer include:

  • physical examinations & assessments of medical history
  • PET-CT scan
  • MRI
  • biopsies (e.g. endoscopy, laryngoscope, oral brush exam)
  • HPV test (once cancer is found)
  • barium swallow & bone scan (for laryngeal cancer)

Newly diagnosed with head and neck pharynx or larynx cancer

We offer standard treatments including:
  • surgery – tumour resection
  • radiation therapy – stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • chemotherapy
  • targeted therapy – monoclonal antibodies
In laryngeal cancer additional treatment options include:
  • laryngectomies
  • cordectomy
  • laser surgery

Locally advanced throat cancer

Treatment varies depending on findings and symptoms. Your personalized therapy may involve possible standard treatments: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials to test new types of treatment.

Supportive care and information

Clinical trials

We are active in clinical trials

We've had clinical trial studies published. These include:

Search clinical trials »

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About the pharynx/larynx

The pharynx

The pharynx consists of naso-, oro-, and hypopharynx, and is a hollow tube (~5” long) that starts behind the nose & ends where the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (tube from throat to stomach) begin.

The larynx

The larynx consists of supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis and is part of the throat between base of tongue and trachea that contains vocal cords for voice production.