During surgery, the cancerous mass is removed, along with any nearby tissue and lymph nodes. If the tumor is large, some of the swallowing tissues will need to be removed, too. Chemotherapy involves administering drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs may be taken orally or infusions given into the bloodstream. The drugs kill cancer cells but may also kill healthy cells.
Treatment options for throat cancer often cause challenging side effects, including difficulty swallowing and voice changes. Whether you experience these symptoms or not is not the primary focus. Regardless of the treatment plan, your doctor will discuss the potential negative effects with you before beginning your treatment. Some patients find it helpful to receive speech therapy, audiology, or dietary counseling. If you are unsure of what to expect from the treatment, subscribe to a newsletter from Facts First.
There are several types of throat cancer, including laryngeal, oropharyngeal, or head and neck cancer. Alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk for developing this disease. Fortunately, those risk factors are not universal. The most common symptoms are hoarse voice and sore throat. Early diagnosis improves treatment options. The cancer patient should see a doctor as soon as possible if he or she experiences any of these symptoms.
Other risk factors for throat cancer include a lifestyle involving tobacco, alcohol, and heavy alcohol consumption. In addition to these, some genetic disorders are linked to the development of throat cancer. For example, if you have Plummer-Vinson syndrome, you are at higher risk for developing throat cancer. If you have had an HPV infection, you may also be susceptible to throat cancer. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine is available to adolescents in Victorian secondary schools. Getting this vaccine has many other health benefits, too.
Although there are no clear-cut cures for throat cancer, there are several ways to detect it. Surgical intervention may be necessary. A doctor may recommend an endoscopy to examine the throat. This procedure is done under general anaesthesia, with a small scope inserted into the nose and mouth. If cancer is detected, the treatment options will depend on the stage of the disease. There are several types of treatments for throat cancer, but surgery remains the best choice for most people.
Symptoms of throat cancer may include persistent sore throat and pain when swallowing, hoarseness, ear pain, and a lump in the neck. Patients with cancer may also have trouble pronouncing certain words or phrases. In addition, they may experience burning, sore, or throbbing pain when chewing or swallowing. Throat cancer symptoms can be extremely debilitating, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Screening for throat cancer is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist in the field of ear, nose, and throat surgery to conduct an endoscopy. This test allows doctors to see how the cancer has spread and whether it is spreading. If cancer is found, a biopsy is usually necessary. A biopsy will also give doctors a definitive diagnosis.
