How long does Throat Cancer last?

Cancer of the throat includes cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat (such as nasopharynx, oropharynx and other locations in the throat). The risk of throat cancers increases in adults aged 50 and older. These cancers occur more commonly in men as compared to women. About 90% of throat cancers occur in men and the risk of mortality is also higher in men (men are twice as likely to die of throat cancer).

Expected Duration

• If throat cancer is not treated it will continue to grow and aggravate.
• Five year survival rate of throat cancer is about 90% in early stages of cancer and it decreases to about 30% in patients with advanced throat cancer. About 50% of the patients are detected in advanced stages of cancer as the initial symptoms of throat cancer are often confused with those of the common diseases such as cold and allergies.
• Recurrence of throat cancer occurs in about 10 to 15% of patients within 20 years of their treatment.

If you have sore throat, voice change, a lump outside of the neck, neck pain, difficulty in swallowing or ear ache that is persistent more than 2 weeks consult a health professional. Prognosis and survival is better in patients when cancer is detected in its early stages.