What Causes Throat Cancer?

A strange tickle or lump in your throat that is not related to a cold and does not go away may be a sign that you have throat cancer. The causes of throat cancer include certain lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental toxins or infectious pathogens. Consider this information from the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic about the causes of throat cancer.

Tobacco

• If you use any form of tobacco, including chew, cigarettes or pipes, you may develop throat cancer.

Alcohol

• You may develop throat cancer as a result of the use of alcohol in heavy amounts for a long period of time.

Poor Dental Hygiene

• Taking poor care of your teeth including not flossing or brushing frequently enough can cause you to develop throat or mouth cancer.

Poor Diet

• A diet low in fruits and vegetables may cause you to develop cancer of the throat, stomach or colon.

HPV

• If you are infected with a sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus (HPV), you may develop cancer of the throat as well as oral and genital warts.

Asbestos

• Asbestos exposure from working in construction or manufacturing jobs may cause you to develop throat cancer and other cancers such as mesothelioma.

Radiation

• If you were previously treated for cancer in your head or neck, you may develop throat cancer as a side effect of your radiation treatments.