For people with throat cancer, undergoing a clinical trial may be an option. Such trials are a great way to get access to a new treatment that has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The doctors at MD Anderson have pioneered multidisciplinary cancer therapy, a group of doctors with varied specialties who come together to assess the patient’s overall health and function, and develop a customized treatment plan. This allows the patient to receive the most advanced therapies while preserving a normal quality of life.
When a patient is diagnosed with throat cancer, a number of tests are performed, including a biopsy and a CT scan. Biopsies are performed by removing a sample of cells and tissue and examining them under a microscope. A medical examiner may also use an endoscope to look for abnormalities in the throat, a common symptom of cancer. A CT scan of the chest can provide additional information, such as whether the cancer has spread to the lungs. A computerised tomography scan uses x-ray beams to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal organs.
The medical term for throat cancer is pharynx, which refers to the passageway that keeps food and drink from going to the lungs. Throat cancer affects the pharynx and includes the larynx, the tonsils, and the glottis. It can be fatal if it spreads to other parts of the body. Throat cancers occur when cells inside the throat grow out of control and develop changes to their DNA. Cancer cells located near the larynx and in the throat are the most likely to become tumors.
Surgical treatment for throat cancer varies. Depending on the stage of the disease, a neck dissection may be necessary. This can be done as part of the main surgery, or it may be performed alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These methods are used to shrink the cancer before the surgery, and to kill any residual cells that remain after surgery. Surgery may be recommended to help the patient with swallowing and speaking. When the cancer has spread and if surgery is not an option, a pharyngotomy or a neck dissection are possible.
In addition to age, tobacco use and chronic HPV infection are important risk factors for throat cancer. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor food habits are other common risk factors. Men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women and are five times more likely to develop it than women. Tobacco use, drinking alcohol, and chronic heartburn may also increase the risk. If your doctor detects throat cancer, they will recommend a surgery.
During the initial stage of treatment, a physical examination is conducted to rule out other types of cancer. A biopsy may also be performed. A biopsy is a procedure where a sample of cancer cells is removed. A biopsy may also be performed to determine the extent of tumour growth. Treatment options for throat cancer are usually based on the extent of tumour invasion, lymph node involvement, and distant organ involvement. The results of imaging tests can determine which treatment options will be best suited to the individual’s situation.
