My Reports
RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
Throat Cancer Treatment
A diagnosis of throat cancer can be worrying, especially when it raises concerns about swallowing, breathing, and speaking. However, throat cancer is not a single condition. It can develop in different parts of the throat or voice box, and each type may require a different treatment approach. Identifying the exact location, stage and characteristics of the tumour is therefore an important first step.
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), throat cancer treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team of head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and rehabilitation specialists.
What is Throat Cancer and Where Can it Develop?
“Throat cancer” is a broad term used for cancers that begin in the throat or the voice box. The throat, medically known as the pharynx, is a muscular passage that begins behind the nose and connects to the food pipe and voice box. These structures play an important role in breathing, swallowing and speaking.
The type of throat cancer is named according to where it begins:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer develops in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the middle part of the throat and may affect the tonsils, the back of the tongue or the throat wall.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer develops in the lower part of the throat, close to the food pipe and voice box.
- Laryngeal cancer begins in the larynx, commonly called the voice box, which contains the vocal cords.
Most cancers arising in these areas begin in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the throat and voice box. However, less common cancer types can also occur.
Knowing the exact location is important because each part of the throat has a different role. A tumour affecting the vocal cords, for example, may cause an early change in voice, while one deeper in the throat may first cause difficulty swallowing. The location also influences how the cancer is staged and whether surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments is likely to be recommended. This is why doctors confirm the exact site and type before planning treatment.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer may not always cause obvious symptoms at first. Some early signs, such as a sore throat, cough or hoarseness, can feel similar to a common infection. However, symptoms that do not improve, keep returning or gradually worsen should not be ignored.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
- A sore throat that does not settle
- Persistent hoarseness or a noticeable change in voice
- Pain or difficulty while swallowing
- A feeling that food is getting stuck in the throat
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- A persistent cough
- Ear pain, particularly on one side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing
- Blood in the saliva or while coughing in some cases
The symptoms may differ depending on where the cancer begins. A tumour affecting the vocal cords may cause hoarseness early, while cancer developing deeper in the throat may first cause swallowing difficulty, ear pain or a neck lump.
When Should These Symptoms Be Checked?
Most sore throats and voice changes are caused by infections, allergies or voice strain rather than cancer. Still, it is advisable to consult a doctor if a symptom lasts for more than two to three weeks, becomes worse or occurs along with a persistent neck lump, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss. Unexplained earache without any visible lesion in the ear may point towards pathology in the pharynx. Timely evaluation can help identify the cause and ensure that any required treatment begins without unnecessary delay.
Who May Be at Higher Risk of Throat Cancer?
The risk may be higher among:
- People who smoke cigarettes, bidis or cigars
- People who use smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, khaini, zarda or paan with tobacco
- Those who consume alcohol heavily or regularly over a long period
- People who use both tobacco and alcohol, as the combined risk is greater than the risk from either one alone
- Individuals with persistent high-risk HPV infection, particularly in cancers affecting the tonsils or base of the tongue
- People with Epstein-Barr virus-related risk for certain nasopharyngeal cancers
- Those who have previously been treated for another head and neck cancer
- Older adults, particularly men, although throat cancer can occur in anyone
Tobacco and alcohol are particularly important risk factors for cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx, while HPV is more closely associated with oropharyngeal cancer.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that someone will definitely develop cancer. Some people diagnosed with throat cancer have no obvious risk factors at all.
How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?
Clinical and Endoscopic Examination
The doctor will first ask about symptoms, how long they have been present and whether there is a history of tobacco or alcohol use. The mouth, throat and neck are then examined for any swelling or visible abnormality.
A flexible endoscope may be passed gently through the nose to look at the throat and voice box. This allows the doctor to check areas that cannot be seen during a routine examination. In some cases, direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia may be advised for a closer examination and tissue sampling.
Biopsy to Confirm the Diagnosis
A biopsy is required to confirm throat cancer. During this procedure, a small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and examined by a pathologist.
If there is a lump in the neck, a needle test or biopsy of the lymph node may also be recommended.
Imaging Tests
CT, MRI or PET-CT scans may be recommended to understand the size and location of the tumour, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved and whether the cancer has spread elsewhere.
Once the biopsy and imaging reports are available, the findings are reviewed together to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer.
Can a Blood Test Detect Throat Cancer?
A blood test alone cannot diagnose throat cancer. Blood tests may be used to check blood counts, liver and kidney function, nutritional status and overall fitness before treatment. However, a tissue biopsy is needed for a definite diagnosis.
Understanding Throat Cancer Stages
After confirming the diagnosis, doctors determine how far the cancer has grown or spread. This process is called staging. Knowing the stage helps the treatment team understand the extent of the disease and decide whether surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments may be most suitable.
Early-Stage Throat Cancer
Stage I and Stage II cancers are usually limited to the area where they began or have only limited local spread. Depending on the exact location, some early cancers may be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone, with the aim of controlling the disease while preserving speech and swallowing as far as possible.
Locally Advanced Throat Cancer
Stage III and some Stage IV cancers may involve a larger tumour, nearby tissues or lymph nodes in the neck. These cancers often require a combination of treatments, such as surgery followed by radiation or chemoradiation.
Metastatic Throat Cancer
Metastatic cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Treatment at this stage usually focuses on controlling the disease, reducing symptoms and maintaining quality of life for as long as possible.
The staging system differs according to where the cancer began, such as the larynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx or nasopharynx. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are also staged differently from cancers unrelated to HPV. For this reason, the stage should always be understood in the context of the exact diagnosis rather than as a number alone.
How is the Best Treatment for Throat Cancer Decided?
Before recommending treatment, the multidisciplinary team considers:
- The exact location of the tumour
- The type and stage of cancer
- Whether nearby lymph nodes are involved
- HPV status in relevant oropharyngeal cancers
- Whether the vocal cords are moving normally
- The patient’s ability to swallow and breathe
- Overall health, lung function and nutritional status
- Any previous cancer treatment
- Whether the voice box can be preserved safely
- The patient’s needs, preferences and treatment goals
At RGCIRC, specialists from head and neck surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and rehabilitation work together to develop an individualised plan. The aim is to treat the cancer effectively while preserving speech, swallowing and quality of life wherever medically possible.
Surgery for Throat Cancer
Surgery may be recommended to remove the tumour and, when necessary, nearby lymph nodes or affected tissues. Wherever medically possible, the surgical team aims to remove the cancer while preserving healthy structures involved in speech, swallowing and breathing.
The type of operation depends on the exact location and extent of the tumour.
1. Microlaryngeal Surgery and Laser Cordectomy
Small, early-stage tumours affecting the vocal cords may sometimes be removed through the mouth using specialised instruments or a laser. This avoids an external neck incision and may help preserve more of the voice box in appropriately selected patients.
2. Transoral Robotic Surgery
Transoral robotic surgery, commonly known as TORS, allows the surgeon to reach selected tumours through the mouth. It may be considered for suitable cancers of the oropharynx, including those affecting the tonsils or base of the tongue. Since there is no large external incision, it may help reduce visible scarring and support recovery in carefully selected patients.
3. Partial Laryngectomy
A partial laryngectomy removes only the affected portion of the voice box. It may be an option for selected tumours where enough of the larynx can be preserved to support breathing, swallowing and some useful voice function.
- Total Laryngectomy
For an extensive tumour involving the voice box, complete removal of the larynx may sometimes be necessary. After a total laryngectomy, breathing takes place through a permanent opening in the neck called a stoma. Voice rehabilitation options are discussed as part of the treatment and recovery plan.
- Neck Dissection and Reconstructive Surgery
If cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a neck dissection may be performed to remove the affected lymph nodes. When surgery involves a larger part of the throat, reconstructive procedures using local, regional or free flaps may help restore the passage for swallowing and support healing. RGCIRC lists microlaryngeal surgery, laser cordectomy, TORS, partial and total laryngectomy, neck dissection and flap-based reconstruction among its head and neck surgical capabilities.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in a carefully planned area. It may be used as the main treatment for some early-stage throat cancers, particularly when organ preservation is an important goal. It may also be combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced disease or given after surgery when there is a higher risk that the cancer could return.
Radiation may also be used to reduce pain, bleeding, pressure or swallowing difficulty when complete removal of the cancer is not possible.
Chemotherapy and Chemoradiation
Concurrent chemoradiation chemotherapy may help make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. However, combined treatment can also cause more side effects, so doctors assess kidney function, hearing, nutrition, general fitness and other health conditions before recommending it.
Chemotherapy may also be used:
- Before surgery or radiation in selected cases
- After surgery in combination with radiation when certain high-risk features are present
- For cancer that has returned
- When the disease has spread to distant organs
The medicines, schedule and number of cycles are decided according to the cancer site, stage and the patient’s ability to tolerate treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy acts on specific proteins or pathways that cancer cells use to grow and survive. It may be combined with radiation therapy or systemic treatment in selected throat cancers. It may also be considered when the disease has returned or spread.
Targeted treatment is not suitable for every patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. Checkpoint inhibitors may be considered for selected patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
The decision may depend on:
- Whether the cancer has returned or spread
- Previous treatment
- Biomarker results such as PD-L1 expression
- Overall health and organ function
- The expected benefits and possible side effects
RGCIRC includes immunotherapy among its treatment options for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancers.
Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Throat Cancer
Cancer is called recurrent when it returns after treatment. It is described as metastatic when it has spread to another part of the body.
Treatment in these situations is highly individualised. Depending on where the disease has returned, previous treatment and the patient’s health, options may include:
- Further surgery in selected cases
- Radiation therapy or re-irradiation where appropriate
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Symptom-relieving and palliative care
- Participation in a suitable clinical trial
The aim may be to control the cancer, reduce symptoms and help the patient maintain the best possible quality of life.
Clinical Trials at RGCIRC
Patients with throat cancer may be considered for an appropriate trial when one is available and matches their cancer type, stage, biomarker profile and previous treatment.
Participation is voluntary. Before enrolment, the research and treating teams explain the purpose of the trial, the treatment involved, possible benefits and risks, and the standard alternatives available. Clinical-trial eligibility can only be confirmed after a detailed medical assessment.
Recovering Speech, Swallowing and Strength After Treatment
Speech and Voice Rehabilitation
Patients may notice temporary or lasting changes in their voice after treatment. A speech and swallowing therapist can suggest exercises and communication techniques based on the treatment received.
If the voice box has been removed, patients may be guided to communicate through options such as an electrolarynx or tracheoesophageal speech, depending on what is suitable for them. RGCIRC’s head and neck programme includes voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy.
Swallowing and Nutritional Support
Surgery and radiation may sometimes make swallowing painful or difficult. Patients may undergo a swallowing assessment and receive exercises to improve safety and movement. A dietitian may recommend softer foods, modified textures or nutritional supplements to help maintain strength. Temporary feeding support may be required if eating normally is not safe or sufficient.
Breathing, Mobility and Emotional Support
Patients with a temporary or permanent tracheostomy are taught how to care for the opening and manage daily activities safely. Physiotherapy may help improve neck and shoulder movement, particularly after lymph-node surgery. Dental and oral care are also important before and after radiation therapy.
Recovery is not only physical. Changes in speech, appearance or eating habits can affect confidence and emotional well-being. At RGCIRC, rehabilitation services include speech and swallowing therapy, physiotherapy and supportive care to help patients and families manage these changes throughout recovery.
Throat Cancer Survival Rates
There is no single survival rate for all throat cancers. Cancers of the larynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx and nasopharynx behave differently and have different outcomes. Statistics are based on large groups of patients and cannot predict exactly what will happen in an individual case.
The treating specialist can provide a more meaningful explanation after reviewing the exact diagnosis, stage, test results and response to treatment.
Follow-Up
Completing treatment is an important milestone, but regular follow-up remains essential. These visits allow the care team to monitor recovery, look for signs that the cancer may have returned and identify any long-term effects of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The frequency of appointments is usually higher soon after treatment and may gradually reduce if recovery remains on track.
During follow-up, the doctor may examine the mouth, throat, neck and voice box. Patients who have undergone a laryngectomy may also have their stoma checked. Endoscopy, blood tests or imaging may be recommended according to the cancer site, treatment received, symptoms and previous findings rather than at every appointment.
Follow-up care may also include:
- Reviewing speech, swallowing and nutritional recovery
- Monitoring dental and oral health after head and neck radiation
- Checking thyroid function when the neck has been exposed to radiation
- Managing persistent dryness, pain, stiffness or reduced neck and shoulder movement
- Providing support to stop tobacco and limit alcohol use
Patients should inform their care team about a new neck lump, persistent throat pain, worsening swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, bleeding or a new change in voice rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
Why Choose RGCIRC for Throat Cancer Treatment in Delhi?
Choosing a hospital for throat cancer treatment is not only about finding the right procedure. Patients may also need help protecting or rebuilding their voice, swallowing comfortably and managing changes in breathing, nutrition and appearance. RGCIRC brings these different aspects of care together through a dedicated head and neck cancer programme. We offer:
- Specialised Head and Neck Cancer Care
- Focus on Preserving Speech and Swallowing
- Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Accreditation, Recognition and Accessible Cancer Care
RGCIRC holds NABH and NABL accreditations, along with Green OT and Nursing Excellence certifications. The Institute was recognised among Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialised Hospitals in 2024 and 2025, ranked No. 1 in North India among single-specialty hospitals in The Times of India’s 2025 critical-care hospital survey, and received the Best Oncology Hospital of the Year award at the IHW Council’s Cancer Summit Awards 2026.
Consult a Throat Cancer Specialist at RGCIRC
If you or a loved one has persistent throat symptoms, a confirmed diagnosis or questions about the recommended treatment, speaking with a specialist can help bring greater clarity. The head and neck cancer team at RGCIRC can review the reports, explain the available options and guide the next steps based on the exact type and stage of the cancer.
To book a consultation, visit www.rgcirc.org or book online at care.rgcirc.org. You can also download the RGCI Care app on iOS or Android.
For appointments:
Rohini: +91-11-4702 2222
Niti Bagh, South Delhi: +91-11-4582 2222
OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Services: Available 24×7 at both campuses