Signs And Symptoms Of Throat Cancer

In the case of throat cancer, there is a malignant tumor present in or at the larynx. Throat cancer is also known as larynx cancer or main cancers. The risk of throat cancer can be significantly reduced by smoking and reducing plum and alcohol use. There is growing evidence that throat cancer caused by HPV ("human papillomavirus" abbreviation) is different from throat cancer where the virus does not play a role. In patients with an HPV positive tumor, the prognosis is more favorable. The symptoms of throat cancer depend on the place where the tumor is located. Treatment of throat cancer usually consists of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or an operation in which cancer and sometimes the regional lymph nodes or part of the throat or larynx are removed.

Signs and symptoms of throat cancer include:

• Cough;
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing;
• Ear pain ;
• Unstoppable throat pain, a sore throat;
• A nod or swallow in the throat that does not heal
• Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness ;
• Weight loss.

Diagnosis of throat cancer
The doctor can detect and view a tumor in the throat using a mirror. This can also be done by the physician with an endoscope (a device equipped with a light source and other optical components allowing it to illuminate and examine the throat), or a laryngoscope (a mirror with which the larynx can be viewed ). If abnormalities are found during endoscopy or laryngoscopy, the doctor may immediately take a tissue sample for further investigation.

Imaging research is also possible. Through imaging research, such as CT scan (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the physician can determine the place and size of the tumor.

Treatment of throat cancer
Treatment depends on many factors, such as the location and the stage of cancer (tumor size and size, possible growth in surrounding tissue and metastases), overall patient health and personal preferences. Discuss the benefits and risks of all treatment options with the doctor. The patient, together with the doctor, determines which treatments are most appropriate for his situation.

Treatment of throat cancer usually consists of one or more of the following options:

• Chemotherapy;
• Radiotherapy;
• Surgery in which cancer and sometimes the regional lymph nodes or part of the throat or larynx are removed.

Another important part of the treatment is to stop tobacco and alcohol use.

Treatment for throat cancer often causes complications. After surgery, for example, the patient has an opening (tracheostomy) in the neck, which he breathes in the future. Other possible complications are:

• Difficulty with eating or swallowing;
• Stiffness and pain;
• Breathing problems;
• Speech problems.

Prognosis of throat cancer
If throat cancer is detected in an early stage, there is about 90 percent chance of cure. If the cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes in the neck, this percentage is about 50 to 60 percent. As soon as the cancer is sown to other parts of the body, it is considered to be incurable and treatment is palliative. Early detection of throat cancer is important for a good prognosis.

*Image source : Wikimedia Commons

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mayo Clinic
3. American Cancer Society