Throat cancer has different names, but they all affect the same type of cells. These cancers develop in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat that includes the vocal cords, and the oropharynx, the middle part that contains the tonsils. Another common name for throat cancer is hypopharyngeal cancer, which begins in the hypopharynx, the lower portion of the throat, above the esophagus.
Throat cancer has four or five stages: pre-cancer, cancer in situ, metastasized, and advanced. Each type has its own staging system. If you notice one of these symptoms, call your doctor. You can have this cancer treated in its early stages and prevent the onset of more serious complications. However, it is important to remember that throat cancer does not usually cause symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation therapy is another form of treatment for throat cancer. It uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes, this treatment is used to shrink a tumor before undergoing surgery. Oncologists use highly targeted techniques for radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, to minimize damage to healthy cells. In addition, they also try to protect sensitive areas of the head with radiation. Lastly, throat cancer may be treated with proton therapy, which uses extremely focused beams of high-energy particles to attack the tumor without damaging the healthy tissue.
Despite its high incidence, throat cancer is preventable. Surgical treatments are available and 70% of diagnosed cases can be successfully treated. And because most people have no other risk factors, a diagnosis of throat cancer can save a person’s life. If it is caught early enough, throat cancer can be cured. However, it is still important to seek proper medical care and treatment. If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer, there’s no need to despair. You can seek treatment for this disease and enjoy a lifetime of good health.
A physical examination can help doctors diagnose throat cancer. During a physical examination, your doctor will check for abnormalities, such as a sore in the mouth, lumps in the neck, or swollen lymph nodes. For a more detailed examination, your doctor may perform an endoscopy, a procedure that involves the use of a tiny camera to enter the throat. If the pathologist finds anything suspicious, it can perform a biopsy or imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis.
The most common treatment for throat cancer is surgery. Radiation is usually used to kill cancer cells, and surgery to remove the affected area can be performed as well. Surgical removal of part or the whole larynx may affect your ability to speak. Following the surgery, you may need to learn how to speak again and how to breathe properly. If the surgery is successful, your doctor will suggest other treatments, including medications and lifestyle changes. For example, you may need to stop smoking before undergoing radiation therapy.
If you’re not comfortable with the chemotherapy or radiation, you can also try targeted therapies. These treatments work by interfering with certain molecules in cancer cells that trigger tumor growth. Cetuximab is one such drug, and researchers are working on other similar types of therapies. In addition, targeted therapies help your immune system fight cancer by attacking the genes that cause tumors to grow. These therapies may be part of your treatment plan or even used in combination with standard chemotherapy.
