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Conditions

About Throat Cancer

Pharynx

Cancer that occurs in the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat), which includes the base of the tongue and tonsils, is commonly called throat cancer. Throat cancer often develops from squamous cells (flat, thin, scale-like cells) on the moist tissue lining the larynx, pharynx or mouth.

Throat cancer usually develops in adults over 50, and men are 10 times more likely than women to develop the disease.1 Worldwide, there are approximately 290,000 cases of throat cancer each year.2 An examination of the neck and throat may show the presence of the cancer. Generally speaking, cancer begins in cells - the body's basic unit of life.

Normally, healthy cells grow and divide to form new cells that perform their functions before eventually dying. Sometimes, cells do not die but continue to divide and create new cells the body does not need. These extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. There are two types of tumors; benign tumors are not cancer and do not spread, but malignant tumors are cancer. They grow and invade normal structures near the tumor and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

    National Institutes of Health; Cancer- throat or larynx. Available from: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001042.htm.
  1.  A Cancer Journal for Clinicians; American Cancer Society; Global Cancer Statistics, 2002. Available from: www.caonline.amcancersoc.org
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor about da Vinci Surgery are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. All people depicted unless otherwise noted are models. © 2011 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci, da Vinci S, da Vinci Si, Single-Site, InSite, TilePro and EndoWrist are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. PN 873551 Rev B 10/11.
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