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Throat cancer refers to various types of cancer that develop in the throat or larynx. It often presents with symptoms such as swelling in the neck, ear pain, and hoarseness. Reducing the risk requires discontinuing the use of tobacco products. If left untreated, throat cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
What is Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the throat or the larynx, also known as the voice box. Although rare, it may occur in the middle part of the throat. Throat cancer often progresses without symptoms, but when advanced, it can present as throat pain or earache.
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Throat cancer is a treatable form of cancer, and early diagnosis is crucial.
Types of this throat cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer: Affects the throat (oropharynx).
- Laryngeal cancer: Affects the larynx, also known as the voice box.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Affects the area behind the nose (nasopharynx)
Throat Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of throat cancer are often similar to those of a cold or allergies. However, unlike these conditions, throat cancer symptoms do not improve without treatment.
The main symptoms of throat cancer include:
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Hoarsenes
- A lump in the neck, throat, or back of the mouth
- Persistent cough or coughing up blood
- Rapid weight loss
What does throat cancer look like?
When throat cancer develops, one of the visible signs in the throat may be an asymmetric abnormality. Lesions appearing as red or white patches are also a characteristic feature of throat cancer. Swelling can likewise be among these signs.
What Causes Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer develops when the cells in the throat undergo genetic mutations. During this process, the cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, turning into cancerous cells. If left untreated, the disease may spread to other parts of the body
The main causes of throat cancer include:
- Use of tobacco products
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Presence of Epstein-Barr virus infection
- Exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos and wood dust
- Overconsumption or insufficient intake of certain foods
How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?
Several tests are used to diagnose throat cancer. These include:
- Physical examination: The doctor checks the neck for swelling and evaluates any symptoms.
- Endoscopic tests: Procedures such as endoscopy and laryngoscopy may be performed for a detailed examination.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopic procedure, the doctor may remove a suspicious tissue sample, which is then sent to a laboratory to test for cancer cells and confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests: CT scans and MRI can reveal the presence of cancer in the throat or larynx.
- PET scan: Shows whether the cancer has spread beyond the throat to other parts of the body.
Throat Cancer Treatment
Therapy possibilities will vary depending on the cancer's location and stage, the patient's general health, and the patient's and their family's preferences. Surgery is frequently the best choice for eliminating the tumor and preventing its spread to other bodily areas.
Laryngectomy (removal of the larynx), laryngectomy (removal of the pharynx), and neck dissection are some surgical options for treating throat cancer (removal of lymph nodes in the neck). To limit the incision size and lower the risk of complications, these treatments can also be carried out utilizing minimally invasive methods like endoscopic surgery.
Surgical Procedures
Depending on the kind, location, and stage of the disease, a range of surgical treatments can be used to treat throat cancer. The most typical surgical techniques used to treat throat cancer are as follows:
Partial Laryngectomy: This medical surgery involves cutting out a portion of the larynx or voice box. It is usually carried out while the patient is under general anesthesia and is utilized for early-stage laryngeal carcinoma.
Total Laryngectomy: This operation involves the removal of the entire larynx. In more advanced laryngeal cancer cases, it may also include the removal of the pharynx and esophagus.
Pharyngectomy: The pharynx, or the portion of the throat below the mouth and nasal passages, may be entirely or partially removed through surgery. Pharyngeal carcinoma, or cancer originating in the tissues of the pharynx, is the most common reason for it to be done.
Laser Surgery: This less invasive method uses a laser beam to remove malignant tissue. It is usually carried out under local anesthetic and may be utilized to treat throat cancer in its early stages.
These surgical techniques each have different risks, advantages, and healing times. Your surgeon will consider your age, general health, and the stage and type of your cancer, as well as other criteria, in deciding which surgical procedure is appropriate for you.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are possible alternative therapies for throat cancer in addition to surgery. These therapies, which can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery, aim to eradicate cancer cells and stop them from increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Throat Cancer
What does throat cancer feel like?
Throat cancer causes pain and discomfort during chewing. It may also produce a painful sensation as if food were stuck in the throat.
What are the first signs of throat cancer?
The initial symptoms of throat cancer include sore throat, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and coughing up blood.
How to check for throat cancer at home?
Since the symptoms of throat cancer can vary, it is not possible to confirm the disease at home. However, being aware of the symptoms is highly important for early diagnosis.
What is HPV throat cancer?
HPV throat cancer is a type of cancer that develops when the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes malignant changes in the cells of the throat or larynx.
Are there pictures of throat cancer in its early stages?
In early-stage throat cancer, images typically show red and white patches, asymmetric abnormalities, and small swellings in the throat.
Can a sore throat lasting for 3 months be a sign of cancer?
A sore throat lasting for three months may be a sign of throat cancer, and consulting a doctor is essential for early diagnosis.
Which department should I visit for throat cancer?
For the diagnosis and treatment of throat cancer, patients should consult the Ear, Nose and Throat and Oncology departments.
