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Types of Throat Cancer in Smokers vs Non-Smokers
By Raveena M Prakash
Throat cancer is often linked to smoking cigarettes and tobacco products, but not all cases develop in smokers. In recent years, an increased number of people who have never smoked are being diagnosed with throat cancer, raising important concerns about risk factors, causes, and cancer types.
In this article, we’ll explore how the differences between smokers and non-smokers with throat cancer can help with early diagnosis, prevention, and informed treatment decisions.
What is Throat Cancer?
"Throat cancer" is a broad term used to describe the cancers that develop in the pharynx (throat) and/or larynx (voice box). These are part of the large group classified as the head and neck cancers.
The throat is divided into three main categories, including:
- Nasopharynx: Upper throat, behind the nose
- Oropharynx: Middle throat, including the tonsils and base of tongue
- Hypopharynx: Lower throat, leading to the esophagus
Cancer can develop into any of these areas, while the risk factors can vary depending on the location.
Key risk factors: Smokers vs. Non-smokers
In Smokers
Smoking is the leading risk factor for developing throat cancer. Tobacco contains carcinogens that damage the cells lining the throat over time.
The major risk factors may include:
- The use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe smoking
- Long-term or heavy use of tobacco
- Combined use of smoking and alcohol (greatly increases the risk)
- Smokers are most likely to develop cancers related to direct chemical damage from tobacco.
In Non-smokers
In non-smokers, it can still develop throat cancer due to some other risk factors, including:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Environmental or occupational exposures
- Poor oral hygiene or chronic inflammation
HPV-related throat cancers are one of the most common causes in non-smokers.
Types of Throat cancer common in smokers
Here are some of the throat cancers developed in smokers, including:
Laryngeal cancer
These types of cancers are strongly associated with smoking. These types of cancers often affect the vocal cords. Symptoms of laryngeal cancers including.
Hypopharyngeal cancer
These types of cancers occur in the lower throat. These are highly aggressive cancers and often diagnosed later in life. These are common in long-term smokers and heavy drinkers.
Oral-cavity related cancers
These types of cancers often develop in the back of the mouth or upper throat. Tobacco smoke can directly affect and damage these tissues. These types of throat cancers are typically linked to HPV-negative and linked to cumulative tobacco exposure.
Types of Throat cancer common in Non-smokers
Here are several types of throat cancers found in non-smokers, including:
Oropharyngeal cancer (HPV)
These types of cancer affect the tonsils and base of the tongue. These are strongly linked to HPV, especially HPV-16. These are commonly associated with younger, non-smoking individuals.
Nasopharyngeal cancer
These rare types of throat cancers are often found to be rare in non-smokers but more common in smokers. While smoking is a risk factor that increases the likelihood of developing these types of throat cancers. These are not the major causes; the strong link of factors is Epstein-Barr virus, genetic mutations, and lifestyle factors.
Salivary gland related throat cancers
These types of throat cancer often develop in non-smokers. These cancers are less associated with smoking. These types of cancers can develop due to genetic and environmental factors. HPV throat cancers often respond better to treatment than smoking-related cancers.
Differences of symptoms in smokers vs. Non-smokers
Many experts suggests that, some of the symptoms can overlap, but patterns might differ from smokers to non-smokers, including:
Symptoms common in smokers
These are some of the symptoms are present in smokers, these may include:
- Chronic hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chronic cough
- Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms common in non-smokers
These are some of the symptoms are present in non-smokers, these may include:
- Painless lump found in the neck
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Ear pain without infection
- Persistent throat pain
Many experts suggest that HPV-related cancers are often associated with fewer symptoms, delaying the cancer diagnosis.
Treatment approaches
The treatment for throat cancer in smokers vs non-smokers depends on the cancer type, stage and cause rather than the smoking status alone.
Common treatments may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
HPV - positive throat cancers in non-smokers often require less intensive cancer treatments and have better treatment outcomes.
Prognosis: Smokers vs. Non-smokers
The prognosis of throat cancer can vary significantly between smokers and non-smokers, largely due to differences in cancer type, underlying causes, and overall health conditions.
There are factors such as tumor biology, response to treatment, and the presence of additional risk factors that play a key role in determining the treatment outcomes and long-term survival.
- Smokers: Many studies suggest that poor diagnosis is due to aggressive tumors and any coexisting health conditions.
- Non- smokers: According to many studies, the prognosis of throat cancer has better survival rates, especially in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
Quitting smoking habits after diagnosis still improves the treatment responses and overall survival of patients.
Consult Today
Throat cancer is not limited to smokers, while tobacco remains the major risk factor, viral infections such as HPV are increasing the case among non-smokers. While understanding these risk factors will allow for early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and better treatment outcomes.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Hospital and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Smokers mostly like to get laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, while non-smokers commonly get HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
Yes, many non-smoker can get throat cancer due to the HPV infection, second-hand smoke, or environmental factors.
Yes. Many studies suggest that smokers are often aggressive and harder to treat than HPV-related cancers in non-smokers.
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