Throat Cancer In Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Voice changes and swallowing difficulties can be initial symptoms, and treatment is based on various factors.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shashidhar A, MD, DM Dr. Shashidhar A Dr. Shashidhar AMD, DM MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pediatrics and NeonatologyExperience: 14 years
Written by , Medical Doctor Dr Bisny T. Joseph Medical Doctor Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and Medical TreatmentsExperience: 5 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , B.Tech Anindita Ghatak B.Tech Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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Throat Cancer In Children

Image: Shutterstock

The prevalence of throat cancer in children is rare, and it is more common in people over 50 years. Abnormal growths in the throat parts, including the tonsil, epiglottis, larynx (voice box), and pharynx (throat) are throat cancers (1). Voice changes, swallowing problems, and pain can be initial symptoms. However, these symptoms are also present in some noncancerous conditions. Therefore, you may seek medical care for the exact diagnosis and treatment for throat cancers.

Read on to know the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment, outcomes, and survival rate of throat cancer in kids.

In This Article

Signs And Symptoms Of Throat Cancer In Children

The following signs and symptoms can be seen in throat cancer
(1). They are similar to the symptoms of other less serious conditions.

  • Cough
  • Hoarseness of voice or other changes in the voice
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Sore throat
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Earache or ear pain
Earache could be a symptom of throat cancer in children

Image: IStock

  • Throat pain
  • Lumps in throat or neck masses

If the symptoms don’t subside even after a week or recur frequently, then make an appointment with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can give better outcomes than delayed interventions.

Causes Of Throat Cancer In Children

The exact cause of cancer formation in the throat in children is not known. Genetic mutations (certain gene changes) of cells in the throat can be a reason for the uncontrolled growth of the cells. An increase in the number of cells and a decrease in cellular death can cause the accumulation of harmful cancerous cells (2).

Risk Factors For Throat Cancer In Children

The following factors can increase the risk of throat cancer (3).

  • Human papillomavirusiA common group of viruses that can cause genital infections that may sometimes progress into certain forms of cancer. (HPV), which is a viral infection
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), due to regurgitation of stomach contents into the throat
  • Family history of throat cancer, and head and neck cancers
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Heavy alcohol consumption

HPV infection may lead to the development of papillomatosis of the larynx. These are wart-like, benign tumor growth on the larynx, and often become cancerous (malignant) (4).

protip_icon Quick fact
Children with a genetic syndrome, such as Fanconi anemiaiA rare genetic disorder of the bone marrow characterized by low levels of red blood cells, fatigue, and skin discoloration. , often have blood problems at an early age. They also have a higher risk of mouth and throat cancers (2).

Types Of Throat Cancer In Children

Throat anatomy, Throat cancer in children

Image: Shutterstock

Throat cancer can be divided depending on the location of cancer within the throat (5).

  1. Nasopharyngeal cancer: This cancer is located in a part of the throat behind the nose.
  1. Oropharyngeal cancer: The cancer is on the part of the throat behind the mouth, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. Cancer of the tonsils is also located in the oropharynx.
  1. Hypopharyngeal cancer or laryngopharyngeal cancer: This includes cancers in the lower part of the throat above the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (food tube).
  1. Laryngeal cancer:  Childhood laryngeal cancers involve the cancer of the larynx or voice box. Laryngeal cancer can be of three types depending on the part of the larynx affected. They include (4):
    • Glottic cancer — cancer of the vocal cord.
    • Supraglottic cancer — the upper part of the larynx, including the epiglottis, which is the cartilage that blocks the entry of food into the airways.
    • Subglottic cancer — cancer affecting the lower part of the voice box.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 60 percent of laryngeal cancers begin in the glottis, which contains the vocal cords, and approximately 35 percent begin in the supraglottic region, located above the vocal cords.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of laryngeal cancer (soft tissue cancer) in children, whereas adults are more prone to squamous cell carcinomaiA type of cancer that develops on the outer layer of the tongue (formed by squamous cells). . Congenital subglottic hemangioma is a common type of benign (non-malignant) laryngeal tumor in children (3) (6).

Although throat cancers are of different types, the risk factors and symptoms can be similar in many cases. Younger children require treatment with oncology and surgery experts who specialize in the treatment of pediatric cancers.

Diagnosing Throat Cancer In Children

The following test can be done for diagnosis (7).

  • Looking at the throat and larynx using an endoscope or laryngoscope: Endoscopy gives a visualization of the throat using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on one end. It allows the transmission of the video on a screen. Laryngoscopy permits direct visualization through a lens.
Laryngoscope can diagnose throat cancer in children

Image: IStock

  • Biopsy: Endoscopic or laryngoscopic guided biopsies are done to collect internal tissue samples from the throat if any abnormalities are detected. These tissue samples are analyzed in laboratories to find cancer cells.
  • Fine needle biopsy: It is a method to collect samples for biopsy from enlarged lymph nodes.

If throat cancer has spread beyond the surface of the throat, then imaging tests are ordered to identify the spread of cancer and metastasis. These tests may include a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or PET scan.

Stages Of Throat Cancer In children

After the diagnosis, throat cancer is staged based on the extent of cancer invasion to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and spread to distant organs or tissues. Staging helps determine the treatment options.

All types of throat cancers have their own staging criteria. The stages usually include stage I, where the cancer is limited to the surface of the throat and can go up to stage IV, which involves the metastasis of other parts of the body. Stage IV cancers may require computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography to detect distant metastasis (8).

Early stages have a better prognosis, while later stages may indicate advanced cancer with poor prognosis.

Throat Cancer Treatment In Children

Treatment of throat cancer is based on its location, type of cancer, stage, and your child’s health status. The treatment may include the following (9).

  1. Radiation therapy

This treatment uses high energy sources, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. It can be done with machines from outside the body with external beam radiation or directly to cancer using wires through a process known as brachytherapy.

Radiation therapy alone is given in the early stages, and combined radiation therapy with chemotherapy or surgery is appropriate for advanced cancers.

  1. Laser surgery

It is the method of destroying cancer cells using narrow beams of intense light. Laryngeal cancers and papillomatosis are treated with laser surgeries.

  1. Surgery
Speech therapy could help in child's post-treatment recovery

Image: Shutterstock

Doctors may choose any of the following types of surgery, depending on the location and stage of throat cancer.

    • Endoscopic surgery: This is the removal or scraping of cancer tissue from the surface of the throat using an endoscope with a special tool. Endoscopic surgeries are appropriate for the early stages of cancer, which are confined to the throat surface.
    • Laryngectomy: This is the surgical removal of the larynx (voice box). Affected part of the voice box is often removed, and the ability to breathe and speak is preserved. However, in some cases, if entire voice box removal is required, then the child may require tracheostomy, which is the surgical creation of a hole in the throat to breathe. Speech therapies are given by a speech pathologist who trains the child to speak without a voice box.
    • Pharyngotomy: This is the surgical removal of the pharynx and reconstructing the part of the throat to allow swallowing of food.
    • Removal of affected lymph nodes: Surgical removal of lymph nodes in the neck is recommended if they contain cancer cells.

Surgeries can often impact swallowing and speaking. There may also be a risk of bleeding and infection.

4. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the destruction of cancer cells using drugs. Systemic chemotherapy can be given in combination with radiation therapy.

5. Targeted drug therapy

These are drugs that specifically target proteins or other components of cancer cells and destroy them. Cetuximab or Erbitux is a monoclonal antibody used for target therapy in throat cancer. This can also be given in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Supportive (palliative) care is the medical care that aims to provide relief from pain and other symptoms. Palliative care specialists can provide supportive care before, during, and after other treatments. This type of care may help to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

protip_icon Quick fact
Immunotherapy may be used to treat throat cancers in children. This treatment modality uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer (14).

Rehabilitation After Treatment

Speech therapy could help in child's post-treatment recovery

Image: Shutterstock

Post-treatment recovery processes may be different based on the type of treatment given. Your child may require special treatments to deal with problems such as.

  • Tracheostomy care
  • Swallowing
  • Speech
  • Pain and stiffness of the neck

These problems can be well-managed with rehabilitation treatments based on doctors’ recommendations.

Preventing Throat Cancer In Children

There is no approved way to prevent throat cancers. HPV vaccination may reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (oropharyngeal cancer) of the base of tongue and tonsils in children with oral HPV infections.

Prevention of Epstein-Barr virusiA virus causing infectious diseases (such as mononucleosis) that spread through bodily fluids. infection could reduce the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer, such as Burkitt's lymphomaiA type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system linked to viral infections. and Hodgkin's lymphomaiA type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system marked by abnormal production of white blood cells (cells that help fight infection). . Avoiding tobacco and alcohol may reduce the risk of throat cancer.

protip_icon Experts say
According to the American Cancer Society, excess body weight, poor nutrition, and vitamin deficiencies might be linked to laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers (15).

Survival Rate For Children With Throat Cancer

The five-year survival rate for throat cancer may vary depending on the location and the stage of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment could improve the survival rate. Glottic cancers have better survival rates, which is about 83% in the early stages (10).

HypopharynxiLower part of the throat, situated behind the voice box. cancers may have fewer survival rates of about 59% in the early stages. The survival rate is lower in the advanced stages of all types of throat cancers (11).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I detect throat cancer at home?

You may detect throat cancer at home by placing two fingers on the neck and checking for lumps. You may also open your mouth and look at the back of the throat. If you find that the lumps on one side are different from the other or observe any abnormality or discoloration on your throat, contact your doctor immediately (12).

2. Can I get throat cancer at 21?

The chances of throat cancer are higher in people above 50 than younger people. However, smoking, tobacco exposure, and excess alcohol consumption over an extended period increase the risk of throat cancer (13).

3. Are there any long-term effects of throat cancer treatment in children?

Possible long term effects of cancer treatment in children might include cognitive impairment, dry and watery eyes, poor vision, dizziness, troubled hearing with loud background noise, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, weak bones, and increased risk of lung infections, among others (16).

4. Can throat cancer in children be hereditary?

It has been reported by the NHS that people who have family members such as parent, brother or sister diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, are at more risk of contracting the same (9).

5. How does throat cancer in children differ from throat cancer in adults?

There are several differences between cancers in children and adults. In children, the types of cancers are different from those of adults, childhood cancers respond well to treatments as compared to those in adults, the risks of long-term side effects of radiation therapy in children are more, as compared to adults (17).

6. What role does nutrition play in the prevention and treatment of throat cancer in children?

Proper nutrition and nutritional status helps in influencing the clinical outcomes of the treatment process, improves treatment tolerance, reduces risk of developing infections, and improves the overall quality of time (18).

The prognosis of throat cancer in children depends on the stage of cancer. The treatment would begin soon after the diagnosis, and frequent visits or hospitalization would be required. The course and type of treatment would also depend on the extent of spread and the tumor’s location. Cancer may take a toll on the mental health of both the patient and their loved ones. The treatment may get tough, so ensure you are constantly near your child to provide positive reinforcement. Your child will look to you to be their pillar of strength. Although this is easier said than done, you should also care for yourself during this time.

Infographic: Factors That May Increase Likelihood Of Childhood Throat Cancer

Although the precise cause of throat cancer in children is not well understood, a few specific factors may increase the risk of developing it. This infographic presents the probable risk factors for throat cancers in children. Check out!

risk factors for throat cancers in children (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Symptoms of throat cancer in children may include difficulty swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness, and weight loss.
  • The types of throat cancer that children can develop include oropharyngeal, laryngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer.
  • Certain factors may increase the risk of throat cancer in children, such as prolonged GERD, HPV infections, family history, tobacco and alcohol use.
  • To diagnose throat cancer in children, medical professionals may use biopsy, endoscopy, and imaging tests.
  • Treatment options for children with throat cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
  • The outcome and survival rates for children with throat cancer may vary depending on the stage and type of cancer.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Childhood Laryngeal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®); The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM)
2. Risk Factors for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers; The American Cancer Society
3. Throat Cancer; The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM)
4. Childhood Laryngeal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version; The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
5. Head and Neck Cancers; The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
6. Multiple myeloma; The Canadian Cancer Society
7. Childhood Laryngeal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version; The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
8. Throat Cancer Stages; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
9. Treatment; laryngeal (larynx) cancer; The National Health Service
10. Viruses that can lead to cancer;The American Cancer Society
11. Survival Rates for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers; The American Cancer Society
12. Oral, Head & Neck Self-Exam Guide; Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
13. Throat or larynx cancer; Mount Sinai
14. Oral, Head & Neck Self-Exam Guide; Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
15. Can Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers Be Prevented?; The American Cancer Society
16. Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment; American Cancer Society
17. What Are the Differences Between Cancers in Adults and Children?; American Cancer Society
18. Laura Pedretti et al.; (2023); Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Cancer; National Library of Medicine

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Dr. Shashidhar A
Dr. Shashidhar AMD
Dr. Shashidhar is a qualified pediatrician and neonatologist with 14 years of experience in pediatrics and neonatology. Currently, he is practicing at St John's Medical College and Tiny Tots Clinic in Koramangala, Bangalore, and is a part of an accomplished team taking care of preterm and sick newborns until discharge and follow up.

Read full bio of Dr. Shashidhar A
Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

Read full bio of Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Anindita Ghatak
Anindita GhatakB.Tech
Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

Read full bio of Anindita Ghatak