If you have ever wondered what the signs of throat cancer are, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this disease. You can find out more about your condition by visiting your doctor. Throat cancers include pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer. These cancers affect the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, thyroid, and mouth. Some of these types are also classified as head and neck cancers. Doctors may perform an examination of the throat and mouth by inserting a gloved finger into the mouth. Some samples may be taken to check for general health.
Throat cancers occur in several areas of the throat. The epiglottis is a thin flap of tissue that covers the opening of the throat. The glottis is the part of the throat where the vocal cords are located. The subglottis lies below the vocal cords. Both of these tissues are lined with flat, firm cells called squamous cells. If any of these cells develop into a cancer, it will spread to the surrounding tissues. Some forms of throat cancer can invade nearby structures. If the tumor becomes large, it can enlarge and compress the trachea.
Patients suffering from throat cancer may experience increasing pain with swallowing or a sore throat. Blood may appear at the site of the cancer. If the lesions encroach upon the airway, the physician may recommend reconstructive surgery. Although the prognosis of this disease varies widely, the survival rate for individuals diagnosed with it is 66.9 percent. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and treated, the better the outlook.
Surgery is the most common treatment for throat cancer. The most common type of surgery is a laryngectomy. This surgery may result in the loss of some ability to speak. Patients who choose this treatment may be required to learn new techniques and undergo reconstructive procedures. If the cancer spreads, treatment options will depend on the stage of the disease. However, this treatment option is not appropriate for everyone. In some cases, the patient may be able to speak or even sing after the surgery.
Another type of treatment involves the use of a lighted tube in the mouth and throat. The scope allows doctors to examine the throat and vocal cords and determine whether there is cancer. In some cases, the doctor may use an endoscope to view the disease. During an endoscopy, the doctor may also use x-rays to determine whether it has spread to other areas of the body. However, this treatment is not effective for all patients and will need to be repeated for several years.
While symptoms alone cannot diagnose throat cancer, regular dental exams and oral self-examinations can be beneficial. Regular dental visits can also help identify abnormal growths in the mouth. For more accurate diagnosis of throat cancer, a doctor may perform a physical examination. The doctor will feel for any nodules or swollen lymph nodes, and may also run tests to detect HPV infection. If the cancer has already spread, targeted therapy may be an option.
