How can tonsillitis cancer be treated? The treatment of tonsil cancer depends on the stage it has reached, and whether it is curable or not. If the condition is caught in its early stages, the prognosis for the patient may be much better than for those who develop it later. Early detection is essential, as the disease will not respond to treatment if not detected and treated in time. Luckily, tonsil cancer is often curable if it is detected in an early stage.
Tonsil cancer can spread to the surrounding areas of the throat and mouth. It can also spread to large lymph nodes located on the opposite side of the neck. Depending on its stage, tonsil cancer may also spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for tonsil cancer depends on its type and stage, and the healthcare provider and the patient will discuss the best treatment options together. This condition can be prevented with a vaccine.
After diagnosing the condition, a surgeon may perform surgery. Surgery removes the tonsils and any growth in the tonsil, as well as some of the nearby lymph nodes. During this procedure, the doctor will also check the lymph nodes in the neck and throat for cancer signs. If the cancer is caught in an early stage, surgery may be all that is needed. Other treatments may include chemotherapy and radiation. If the tonsil cancer has spread to nearby areas, radiation may be used in combination with chemotherapy.
If a biopsy is necessary to diagnose the condition, doctors will remove any suspicious tissue using a special microscope. In some cases, an ENT can use a laryngoscope to remove a sample of the tonsil tissue. A pathologist will review the cells for signs of HPV. The doctor may also use a needle called a fine needle aspiration to biopsy the tonsil. The needle is inserted into the mass and draws the cells out for analysis.
It is also important to note that HPV may be a risk factor for tonsil cancer. HPV-positive patients have a better chance of surviving the disease. Furthermore, smoking and drinking can affect the outcome of treatment. Both smoking and alcohol use may also worsen the condition, increasing the risk of cancer. In addition, both smoking and alcohol consumption can make tonsil cancer harder to treat and have fewer benefits. And speaking of alcohol, drinking can also complicate the treatment of tonsil cancer.
Fortunately, tonsil cancer is usually curable. It may start as a sore in the back of the throat and progress to cause difficulty eating, swallowing, or talking. Other symptoms can include changes in your sense of taste or an unexplained loss of weight. While there is no known cause for tonsil cancer, studies have found several risk factors, such as HPV infection and tobacco use. They are largely preventable, but there is no way to be 100% sure.
