Section 19. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Chapter 223. Nose and Throat Cancers

Topics: Introduction | Cancer of the Larynx | Cancer of the Paranasal Sinuses | Cancer of the Nasopharynx | Cancer of the Tonsils

Introduction

Often, cancers of the nose and throat are considered together by doctors because of certain similarities. Nose and throat cancers occur in the voice box (larynx), the hollow spaces located in the bones around the nose (paranasal sinuses), the nasal passages and upper throat (nasopharynx), and the tonsils. Cancer of the mouth is very similar to nose and throat cancers in a number of ways (see Section 8, Chapter 113). Because these cancers can cause death, a person with nose and throat cancer that has not responded to treatment should make all necessary plans; the person should have frank discussions with the doctor about wishes for medical care and the need for end-of-life care (see Section 1, Chapter 8).