Luckily, there are many treatments for throat cancer. Early detection can save your life and improve the prognosis. But how do you tell if you have throat cancer? Read on to find out more about this disease.
During a throat cancer consultation, your doctor will likely do some tests. Imaging tests are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor, as well as whether it has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes. A doctor may also use an endoscope to look at your throat and check for cancer cells. The stage of cancer will be determined based on the findings of the biopsy. Some treatments are available only through surgery. A doctor may recommend an immunotherapy treatment if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Throat cancer patients often report soreness in the throat, increasing pain upon swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Bleeding from the cancer site is another common symptom. However, bleeding that does not stop within three months may be indicative of a more serious condition. In addition, voice changes that do not respond to conservative treatment may indicate a malignant tumor. As with any other form of cancer, the condition can affect breathing.
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that helps boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Immunotherapy drugs like Cetuximab or Opdivo use your immune system to attack cancer cells. These drugs are often given along with chemotherapy, and are available in some clinical trials. The drugs can also help improve your immune system. But they are not suitable for everyone. If you are suffering from throat cancer, it may not be the best choice for you.
Some types of throat cancer are caused by exposure to environmental irritants like alcohol and tobacco. It can also develop in people with certain medical conditions, such as Plummer-Vinson syndrome, a condition characterized by iron deficiency anemia and difficulty swallowing. Other risk factors include radiation exposure and asbestos exposure. Other symptoms of throat cancer include an enlarged lump or mass in the neck. These may be present for several months or years, and they can be painful.
Treatment for throat cancer will depend on the type of cancer cell. If it is HPV-associated, treatment will vary depending on whether the cancer has spread or remained in one area of the throat. If it is a type of cancer, targeted therapy can be used to help you beat the disease. There is no cure for throat cancer, but it is an important step in preventing its recurrence. In addition to targeted therapies, throat cancer patients may benefit from surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both.
Tobacco use increases the risk of throat cancer by 85%. Tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, greatly increases the risk. Alcohol use is also a risk factor, as it enables other carcinogens to enter cells. In addition to smoking, alcohol consumption increases the risk of throat cancer. Heavy alcohol use, the Epstein-Barr virus, a diet high in red meat, and acid reflux may increase the risk of throat cancer.
