The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a hollow, muscular tube lined by mucous membrane. It runs from the back of the nose down into the neck, ending at the top of the windpipe and esophagus. It contains three sections: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx, also called the hypopharynx. The pharynx is part of the digestive system, and as the common channel for swallowing and breathing, the food and air pathways in the pharynx cross each other. The following conditions can affect the pharynx:
Pharyngitis
As one of the most common reasons people visit their family practice physicians, pharyngitis is a sore throat caused by inflammation of the back of the throat. Pharyngitis can make it painful to swallow, and you may experience soreness, discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. Most sore throats occur during colder months and subside within a week or less. Sore throats are often caused by viral infections including the common cold, flu, mononucleosis (“mono”), measles, chickenpox, and croup. However, bacteria such as strep throat (caused by Group A Streptococcus), whooping cough, and diphtheria can sometimes cause pharyngitis. If your sore throat is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help, but if your sore throat is a result of strep throat, chlamydia or gonorrhea — all of which are bacterial infections — antibiotics can help the healing process. The following remedies may help soothe a sore throat:
Getting restAvoiding alcoholDrinking warm liquids, such as lemon tea or tea with honeyGargling with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup of water) throughout the dayDrinking cold liquids or sucking on fruit-flavored ice popsSucking on hard candies or throat lozenges (for adults only)Running a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifierTaking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Pharyngeal Cancer
Pharyngeal or throat cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop anywhere in the pharynx, larynx (voice box), or tonsils. Pharyngeal cancer can also affect the piece of cartilage that acts as a lid for your windpipe. Most throat cancers begin as thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. These cells develop genetic mutations that cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating cells can form a tumor in your throat. Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include the following:
A coughChanges in your voice, such as hoarsenessDifficulty swallowingEar painA lump or sore that doesn’t healA sore throatWeight loss
Treatment options for throat cancer vary depending on your condition, and may include one or more of the following, sometimes used in combination:
RadiationSurgeryChemotherapyTargeted drug therapy
In 2014, there were an estimated 12,630 people diagnosed with laryngeal cancers and 14,410 diagnosed with pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, there were 3,610 deaths from laryngeal cancer and 2,540 deaths from pharyngeal cancers. The following can reduce your risk of throat cancer:
Quit smokingNot chewing tobaccoLimiting alcohol consumption
