The survival rate is higher if HPV was the cause, but less than 50% if other causes were involved. There are many treatment options for throat cancer. To make an informed decision, the first step is to determine the stage of your tumor. Depending on the size of your tumor, surgery may be the best option. Surgical methods include laryngectomy and neck dissection.
Fortunately, throat cancer is highly curable. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of throat cancer early so that you can get the best treatment. Several methods of diagnosis are available. The location of the cancer also plays a role. For upper-thoat cancer, your doctor can examine your mouth and throat. The lower-throat cancer must be observed with a lighted, thin tube called an endoscope. Some dentists can also detect throat cancers.
Pre-malignant lesions of the oropharynx are called leukoplakia. These abnormal white patches cannot be scraped off. During a routine dental examination, your dentist may discover them. There are various types of cancer in the mouth, and the most common is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the squamous cells of the oral cavity. The diagnosis of this type of cancer depends on the location and size of your leukoplakia.
Besides surgery, other treatment options for throat cancer include chemotherapy and supportive care therapy. Supportive care therapies help patients deal with the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatments. These therapies may include nutrition therapy or oncology rehabilitation techniques. In some patients, feeding tubes may be required for a short or long time. However, they may be removed when normal eating is possible. Pain management physicians may also provide a variety of techniques for managing side effects of treatments. Supportive care is vital for patients suffering from throat cancer.
Throat cancer is often the result of the same types of cancer that affect the larynx and the esophagus. While the majority of patients survive their cancer, they have an increased risk of developing secondary cancers in the lungs, esophagus, or larynx. After completing the treatment for throat cancer, patients must undergo follow-up exams throughout their lives and should avoid smoking and alcohol for life.
Treatment options for throat cancer depend on the stage of the disease. Early diagnosis is key to a patient’s survival. Although the disease tends to be difficult to treat, doctors can offer a variety of options. For patients with more advanced cancers, oncologists who specialize in treating this type of cancer may be an option. Otolaryngologists, who specialize in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, may also be the best choice for you.
In order to accurately diagnose mouth and throat cancer, your doctor will first perform a biopsy. This is a surgical procedure in which tissue specimens are removed from the suspicious area. This tissue sample can be examined under a microscope and help determine whether the area is cancerous. Your doctor may perform a biopsy in a medical office, through a flexible viewing tube or special mirror. After the biopsy, your doctor may make further recommendations for treatment.
