In the United States, 60,000 new cases of throat cancer are reported each year. My family is part of this statistic. Four years ago, my great-grandfather, Juan, was diagnosed with throat cancer. Contrary to the normal prognosis, he died only 5 months after diagnosis. Throat cancer is defined as a disease characterized by the formation of malignant cells in the tissues of the pharynx. Throat cancer is also called pharyngeal cancer. There are different sections that can be affected by throat cancer; These sections include laryngeal, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharyngeal, and glottis cancer. Some of the signs and symptoms of this condition include ear pain, sore throat, frequent headaches, and difficulty breathing or speaking. If a person has a persistent cough that doesn't go away, difficulty or pain swallowing, or a lump in the neck or throat, they could possibly have throat cancer. There are different possible causes of throat cancer. One of the causes is the use of tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption. Cigarette smoke alone contains more than 4,000 carcinogens. Some of these carcinogens include benzene, butane, arsenic, ammonia, methoprene, cadmium, formaldehyde and tar. Smoking causes 75-85% of reported cases of throat cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause throat cancer. Alcohol makes it easier for the tissues in your mouth and throat to absorb the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco. This is why people who smoke and drink increase their risk of developing cancer. Another possible cause of throat cancer is untreated acid reflux. When acid reflux goes untreated or is not treated effectively, it can cause Barrett's esophagus. This can then lead to cancer of the esophagus, which is part of the throat. One of the last...... middle of paper ...... fully curable and hopefully fewer cases will be reported. Works cited1. “Throat cancer”. Nih.gov. US National Library of Medicine, November 22, 2011. Web. November 25, 2011. .2. “Chemotherapy for Throat Cancer.” Cancercenter.com. Internet. November 18, 2011. .3. “Laryngeal cancer.” Medicinenet.com. HONcode Standard for Trusted Health, January 21, 2011. Web. December 7, 2011. .4. “Cancer – Throat or Larynx.” Myoptumhealth.com. Internet. November 4, 2011. .5. “Laryngeal cancer”. Webmd.com. URAC, October 7, 2011. Web. November 11. 2011. .