Does vomiting cause throat cancer?

Vomiting Does Not Cause Throat Cancer

There is no evidence that vomiting causes throat cancer. Rather, throat cancer risk is primarily associated with tobacco and alcohol use, which have a multiplicative effect when used together 1.

Risk Factors for Throat Cancer

• Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors for cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the throat (pharynx) 1
• The combined use of tobacco and alcohol has a multiplicative effect on cancer risk, with those regions of the mouth and pharynx that are more directly exposed to these substances being at higher risk 1
• Advanced age and social habits contribute to the development of hypopharyngeal cancer, with symptoms such as throat clearing and food sticking being early warning signs in patients who use tobacco and/or drink excessive alcohol 2

Relationship Between Vomiting and Cancer

• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in cancer patients, but they are consequences rather than causes of cancer 3, 4
• Vomiting in cancer patients can be related to:
  • Treatment factors (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) 3
  • Non-treatment clinical issues related to advanced cancer 3
  • Complications of advanced cancer such as gastroparesis, bowel and outlet obstructions, and brain tumors 4

Brain Tumors and Vomiting

• Brain tumors can cause nausea and vomiting through increased intracranial pressure that stimulates the vomiting center 5
• Impairment of cerebrospinal fluid circulation leading to hydrocephalus is another mechanism by which brain tumors cause vomiting 5
• Morning predominance of nausea and vomiting, typically worse after lying flat overnight, is characteristic of brain tumor-related vomiting 5

Cancer-Related Nausea and Vomiting Management

• Detailed assessment of nausea/vomiting including frequency, duration, intensity, and associated activities is necessary to determine specific etiology and guide intervention 3
• Various international antiemetic guidelines have been developed for the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting 3
• For cancer patients with nausea and vomiting not related to treatment, management remains challenging with limited evidence-based options 6

Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

• Prophylactic antiemetic regimens before treatment with highly emetogenic chemotherapy can reduce vomiting in approximately 70% of patients 7
• Antiemetic therapy typically includes:
  • Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonists (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron) 7
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) 7
  • Neurokinin-1 antagonists (e.g., aprepitant, fosaprepitant) 7

Important Considerations

• While vomiting does not cause throat cancer, chronic vomiting can cause other health issues including esophageal irritation and dental erosion
• Persistent unexplained vomiting should always be medically evaluated, as it may be a symptom of underlying conditions
• Early throat symptoms in adults with tobacco and/or alcohol use should prompt specialist examination to exclude hypopharyngeal cancer 2