A stage 0 tumor has not yet invaded the surrounding tissues. A stage III tumor has, and a stage IV tumor has, reached the lymph nodes in the neck. One of the latest advances in cancer evaluation is PET scanning. PET scans can determine whether cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes of the neck and whether they have spread to other parts of the body. These findings help doctors determine how to best treat a patient’s case. Cancer in the throat will continue to spread without treatment.
Symptoms of throat cancer can include a lump in the neck, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Cancer may also develop in lymph nodes, causing non-tender masses. In addition to these symptoms, patients may also experience earaches, headaches, spitting up blood, and partial airway obstruction. Some throat cancers associated with the human papilloma virus can cause a swollen tongue or throat.
Males are more likely than females to develop laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer. While the overall incidence of cancer is higher among white people, Black males have a higher rate than white people. Although the overall rate of laryngeal cancer has increased since 1975, survival rates for the disease were not as high as they once were. However, these numbers could be due to factors related to socioeconomic status and access to appropriate treatment.
Although there are different types of throat cancer, the majority of cases are squamous cell carcinomas. The type of cancer cells determines the treatment strategy. A biopsy will help diagnose the type of cancer cells present in a patient’s throat. For instance, squamous cell carcinoma affects the flat cells that line the throat. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms and they don’t disappear after a few weeks.
MD Anderson is a pioneer in cancer therapy, and their multidisciplinary care team consists of physicians of different specialties. These physicians evaluate a patient’s function and health, and then work together to develop the best treatment plan for the patient. This care team has pioneered treatments for throat cancer that preserve a normal and healthy life. If a patient has symptoms of throat cancer, MD Anderson doctors will likely prescribe a specific treatment plan.
Symptoms of throat cancer may include a lighted scope, biopsy, and imaging tests. If the diagnosis is confirmed, a specialist in the area may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat field. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are often used to treat throat cancer. Treatment is dependent on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumor. If surgery is not effective, targeted therapy may be recommended. This involves drugs or substances specifically targeted at the cancer cells.
Symptoms of throat cancer may include vocal changes, difficulty breathing, or a lump in the neck. The pharynx and larynx are two tubes that separate the mouth and the voice box. Cancer of these structures is rare, making it important to seek immediate treatment. When the symptoms are accompanied by a cough or a persistent cough, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to remove the cancer cells. If the cancer spreads to these areas, it will likely lead to a raspy voice.
