These treatments can be debilitating and may continue for months or even years. Many people who survive throat cancer experience ongoing side effects, including hair loss, nausea, mouth ulcers, and constant fatigue. Those diagnosed with throat cancer may also have difficulty eating and swallowing due to tissue and mucositis damage caused by treatment. The good news is that treatment for throat cancer is now more effective than ever.
Cancers of the throat are classified according to where they begin. Symptoms of the disease usually occur between the trachea and the larynx, whereas the signs and symptoms may be similar. In some cases, the cancer may begin in a nearby structure, such as the thyroid. Smokers have a higher risk of developing throat cancer than nonsmokers. While it may not be possible to detect the cancer early, doctors can monitor its growth and determine its stage.
Once the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues, it has reached the stage of metastatic disease. The cancer has invaded lymph nodes or other organs. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it has reached stage IV. Cancer in the throat has spread beyond the larynx. Some cancers have even spread to distant organs. To treat this disease, a doctor will either use chemotherapy or surgery. However, radiation therapy is not always an option.
The symptoms of throat cancer vary according to where the cancer has spread. Hoarseness may be a symptom of throat cancer that begins on the vocal cords. While throat cancer that begins elsewhere may not present any vocal changes until the cancer has spread. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing or pain in the neck. A swollen lymph node in the neck may indicate throat cancer. It is also possible to experience unusual lumps in the throat or neck.
Throat cancer is uncommon, but there are certain risk factors that make it more likely. Tobacco and alcohol exposure exposes the mouth to cancer-causing chemicals. Alcohol can also allow other carcinogens to enter the cells. Smoking and drinking increase the risk of throat cancer in people of any age, but it is not the only risk factor. As a result, many people are now suffering from the condition. As a result, throat cancer is a disease that must be treated.
Surgical treatment for throat cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease. Surgical procedures are effective in early stages, but they may not be suitable for all patients. Advanced cancers often involve the lymph nodes in the neck. It is important to note that 70% of patients with throat cancer have advanced cancers at the time of diagnosis. For this reason, it is crucial to find an early diagnosis. Luckily, there are several treatments available for patients with throat cancer.
