Even if the primary cancer is easily visible, a delayed diagnosis can negatively affect the outcome of treatment. Many types of cancers can occur in the throat, and it is often easier to identify them in the upper or lower regions of the throat than in the lower part. In many cases, a dentist can detect the disease by looking into the mouth, although it is most common for a doctor to use a thin, lighted tube known as an endoscope to view the throat.
The most common type of throat cancer treatment is surgery, and this includes a laryngectomy. This procedure will cause some people to lose their ability to speak, and many will have to undergo reconstructive procedures after the surgery. However, this surgery is worth considering if the cancer is in the neck or head. This newer approach to treatment has not been shown to have any negative effects on cure rates. Patients may experience less throat pain, fatigue, and radiation burn than before. They may even return to work sooner than they would have before the surgery.
A biopsy, or tissue sample, is another way to diagnose throat cancer. This procedure requires the removal of a small sample of cancer cells or tissue and examination under a microscope. Another way to find out whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck is to use PET scanning. PET scanning can determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body and is used in treatment planning. If no treatment is chosen, throat cancer will continue to grow and spread. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to stop the cancer from progressing.
Although the survival rate of throat cancer varies among patients, it is still remarkably high. In fact, the NCI has published statistics showing a 60 percent five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with throat cancer. In contrast, patients who develop glottis cancer have an 83 percent five-year survival rate. Early detection and treatment of throat cancer can improve survival rates by nearly five years. It is important to note that the survival rate of this cancer depends on the type of cancer, location, and individual factors.
Treatment of throat cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Treatment options will depend on the stage of the disease, whether it has spread to nearby areas, and the size of the tumor and lymph nodes. In the early stages, throat cancer can be treated by undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. When it spreads to the lymph nodes, treatment will include surgery. When the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is referred to as metastatic cancer.
Chemotherapy is also a common treatment for throat cancer. It is usually used in combination with other treatment methods. It is often used after other treatments have failed and may be used to treat the disease while it is still in its early stages. A successful treatment plan depends on the stage of the disease, and your doctor can determine the best treatment. If it has spread throughout the body, surgery or radiation may be the best choice. If the cancer is detected early, it can be cured, but advanced stage cancer is untreatable.
