Although the prognosis of throat cancer is poor, it is still highly curable if caught early. In fact, it is curable in around 90 percent of cases. However, this percentage drops considerably if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck or surrounding tissues. The treatment used in such cases is focused on prolonging the patient’s life, rather than curing the disease entirely. Despite the relatively high success rate of treatment, some patients still need to undergo surgery.
While the cause of throat cancer is not known, genetic mutations allow cancerous cells to multiply uncontrollably. These cells then grow to form tumors and spread to other parts of the body. Certain risk factors include cigarette smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and the human papillomavirus. Symptoms of throat cancer include a sore throat, ear pain, and persistent cough. A physician will likely prescribe surgery, chemotherapy, or some combination of these options to treat the condition.
During the first two to three years following a diagnosis of throat cancer, the risk of recurrence is greatest. Regular follow-up visits are important to maximize survival. Tobacco and alcohol use should be avoided or severely limited. Young adults and children are highly recommended to receive an HPV vaccine. HPV vaccines have been proven to prevent most oral HPV infections, but are not effective against throat cancer. A physician should be consulted if a patient experiences sores on the lips.
A doctor may also perform a biopsy or laryngoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. During a laryngoscopy, the doctor can look for tumor cells and examine their location. This procedure is commonly performed during a biopsy or in a surgical procedure. Depending on where the cancer is located, treatment will depend on how the cancer has spread and on the quality of the patient’s voice and ability to swallow.
Treatments for throat cancer depend on whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body or has not spread to other parts of the body. The doctor may prescribe one or several standard treatments or suggest a combination of several treatments. The patient may also receive palliative care while his or her condition is treated. Once the cancer has spread, additional treatments may be necessary. If your cancer recurs, your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy or radiation therapy to control the side effects of treatment and improve the quality of life.
The first step in treating throat cancer is to identify it early. If it has not spread to lymph nodes, it is not considered to be a dangerous condition. The tumor must be smaller than two centimeters in size. Moreover, it cannot reach lymph nodes, which are part of the body’s immune system. By this criteria, it is possible to treat throat cancer without the need for surgery. This disease is highly curable if detected early.
The second step in treatment involves surgery. A swollen throat makes it difficult to breathe. A temporary tracheostomy is often performed. This procedure creates a small hole in the windpipe. While this makes it possible to breathe, it can lead to a painful and uncomfortable infection. The treatment may result in scarring, as well as a reduced quality of life. It may require surgery. However, the good news is that throat cancer is curable.
