Pharyngeal Cancer Stage II

Stage II pharyngeal cancer is a middle-stage cancer where the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but no larger than 4 centimeters, and treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments depending on the specific location in the throat.

Table of contents

• What is Stage II Pharyngeal Cancer?
• Where Does Pharyngeal Cancer Develop?
• Treatment Options for Stage II

What is Stage II Pharyngeal Cancer?

Stage II pharyngeal cancer is a classification that describes the size and extent of cancer in the throat. The pharynx is a hollow tube in the neck about 5 inches long that serves as a passageway for both air to reach the lungs and food to reach the stomach^[12]. Stage II specifically means that the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 4 centimeters^[2].

The stage of cancer is important because it helps doctors plan treatment and estimate outcomes. Staging describes how much cancer is in the body and where it is located when first diagnosed^[2]. Generally, the higher the stage number, the larger the cancer is or the more it has spread^[2].

Where Does Pharyngeal Cancer Develop?

Pharyngeal cancer develops in different parts of the throat. The pharynx has three main sections where cancer can start. The oropharynx is the middle part of the throat, located behind the mouth^[12]. This area includes the soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth), the side and back walls of the throat, the tonsils, and the back one-third of the tongue^[12].

The oropharynx makes saliva, keeps the mouth and throat moist, and helps digest food^[1]. Most pharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which means the cancer begins in thin, flat cells that line the inside of the throat^[5].

Treatment Options for Stage II

Stage II pharyngeal cancer can be treated in several ways. The most common treatment approaches include surgery or radiation therapy^[2]. Surgery is often preferred for most patients with early or localized disease, including stage II cancers^[7].

Primary treatment for stage II oropharyngeal cancers can be either surgical removal or definitive radiation therapy^[7]. Surgery is the preferred approach except for some patients who may have specific types of cancer in certain locations. Radiation therapy is preferred for patients who may not be able to tolerate surgery^[7].

The radiation dose for stage II cancer depends on tumor size, but for early-stage disease, doses of 66-72 Gray may be used with adequate results^[7]. Your healthcare team will suggest treatments based on your specific needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan^[2].

Treatment plans for all disease stages should be discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor conference involving specialists from different areas, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists^[7].