Throat Cancer Diagnosis in Men vs. Women: Key Differences

oncare team
Updated on Jul 16, 2025 18:02 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Throat cancer is a type of cancer that usually affects the throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx). This type of cancer is classified as head and neck cancer, which affects both men and women, but not equally. From its incidence rates to symptoms and treatment outcomes, there are notable gender differences that can influence early detection and treatments.

In this article, we’ll look more into understanding how these differences are crucial for increasing awareness and improving the treatment outcomes.

What is throat cancer?

Throat cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the pharynx and voice box. This type of cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms in the initial stages. When symptoms start to get noticeable, they appear as less serious medical conditions, such as sore throat and earache. 

It’s important to not avoid or ignore symptoms of these cancers, especially if these symptoms stay for more than two weeks.

Types of throat cancer

There are several types of throat cancer:

  • Oropharyngeal cancer: This type of cancer affects the middle part of your throat. 
  • Laryngeal cancer: This type of cancer affects the voice box. This type of cancer can often develop in the upper part of the throat and is known as supraglottic cancer. When cancer develops in the middle part of the vocal cords, known as glottic cancer, and when cancer affects the lower part, it is known as subglottic cancer.
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer: This type of cancer affects the part of the throat that’s above the esophagus and windpipe.
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer: This type of cancer affects the part of the throat that’s behind the nose.

Why are men at high risk of developing throat cancer?

Studies suggest that men are more likely to develop pharyngeal cancer when compared to women. According to the global cancer statistics, men are diagnosed with cancers including larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity three to five times more than women. 

What causes the gaps between men and women?

  • The use of tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing pharyngeal cancer in men. 
  • HPV infection, also referred to as human papillomavirus infection, is often linked to oropharyngeal cancers, which are common in men.
  • Chemical exposures, including dust, asbestos, and chemicals, are also more common and higher in men when compared to women.

Symptoms of throat cancer: Men vs. women

In most cases, these cancer symptoms appear as signs of other less serious conditions, such as colds and allergies. Many studies have suggested that symptoms of untreated pharyngeal cancer won’t get better. 

In men:

  • In men, this cancer is more likely to cause hoarseness and visible neck masses.
  • Men often get diagnosed with this cancer in the advanced stages due to negligence or delays in treatments.

In women:

  • In most women, they experience symptoms of throat discomfort, voice fatigue, or ear pain. 
  • Some symptoms are often misdiagnosed in the early stages. There are some symptoms that show benign conditions. 

Here are some of the common symptoms of this cancer, which affects both men and women.

These may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Pain while swallowing food
  • A lump in the throat, neck or the back of the mouth
  • Hoarseness
  • Constant cough
  • Blood in the cough
  • Weight loss

Differences in diagnostic delays in Men vs. women

There are many reports that show that women usually face delays in diagnosis due to understanding pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer as a risk in females. In most cases, women might face throat-related symptoms and be considered as less serious conditions, such as allergies, acid reflux, or thyroid issues. 

  • There are studies that suggest physician bias and lack of gender-specific awareness towards this type of cancer. It can often contribute to late diagnosis in women. 
  • Meanwhile, men might avoid regular screening and monitoring by a doctor until symptoms become severe.

HPV- related throat cancer

Recent studies have suggested that there is a significant rise in HPV-related throat and oropharyngeal cancers, mainly in the developed countries. This has now started to outnumber cervical cancer cases caused by the same viruses. 

Men account for more than 70% of HPV-related throat cancer cases when compared to women. Most of the time, women are more likely to benefit from HPV vaccination and cancer awareness programs. Attending awareness programs and early detection can reduce the overall future risks in women.

However, this type of cancer in men is common after their 40s and 60s, with a prior history of smoking habits and excessive alcohol consumption.

What are the diagnostic tools and screening methods used for throat cancer?

The diagnostic procedures and screening methods used for this cancer for both men and women are quite similar.

Here are some diagnostic procedures used for this cancer, these may include:

  • Endoscopy: An oncology team might use a piece of equipment called an endoscope, which is a medical instrument that comes with a special lighted scope. To get a close look at the throat of a patient, this type of medical procedure is called endoscopy.  
  • Laryngoscopy: This is a medical procedure that uses a medical instrument called a laryngoscope. It often uses the magnifying lens to identify the vocal cords; this procedure is often known as laryngoscopy.
  • Biopsy: When an endoscopy or laryngoscopy finds any abnormality in the tests, then the medical team might suggest you get a biopsy done. Biopsy is a medical procedure that removes a sample of tissue and then later sends it to a laboratory.
  • Imaging tests: The cancer can also be diagnosed with the help of imaging tests, including CT scans, MRIs, and PET/CT scans, which help to understand the extent and severity of this cancer.

Consult Today

Throat cancer generally affects both men and women, while there are some differences in their risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. Studies suggest that men remain at higher risk, while women might face some diagnostic delays because of negligence or overlooking. 

At Oncare, we offer cancer treatments, including cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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