Doctors don't tend to use the term "throat cancer", as the throat (pharynx) includes many different parts that can be affected by cancer.
The main areas that can be affected are the:
- Oropharynx (oropharyngeal cancer) – the part of the throat at the back of the mouth
- Hypopharynx (hypopharyngeal cancer) – the part of the throat connecting the oropharynx to the gullet and windpipe
- Nasopharynx (nasopharyngeal cancer) – the part of the throat that connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth
- Larynx (laryngeal cancer) - the part of the throat related to the production of voice and attached to the windpipe
