What is squamous throat cancer?

Squamous throat cancer is a type of cancer in which squamous cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, as stated by the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms include neck pain and a lump in the throat.

Squamous cells are found on the surface of tissues that line the digestive tract, the respiratory tract and the mouth. The primary cancer tumor begins in any of these squamous cells and spreads through the bloodstream or the lymph system to the throat, according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors for squamous throat cancer include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and a poor diet, as stated by PubMed Central.