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
- surgery – tumour resection
- radiation therapy – stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy – monoclonal antibodies
- laryngectomies
- cordectomy
- laser surgery
Locally advanced throat cancer
Supportive care and information
- Patient and family support (including speech pathology)
- Patient education
- Information on HPV-positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer (OPSCC)
Clinical trials
We are active in clinical trials
- A randomized phase II trial for patients with p16 positive, non-smoking associated, loco-regionally advanced oropharyngeal cancer
- Diagnostic Performance of Perfusion and Diffiusion MR Imaging to Detect False Positive Rates of 18F FDG-PET-CT in Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Definitive Treatment
- A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy with the IRX-2 regimen in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage III or IVa Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
- Sleep Apnea in Patients with Oral Cavity/Oropharyngeal Surgery
- Oncologic Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Total Laryngectomy
- Oncologic Outcomes Following Laser Excision of T1 and Tis Laryngeal Carcinoma
- Laryngectomy: What Are The Predictive Factors? Intraoperative Evaluation of Pharyngeal Mucosa and Cervical Skin
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.
