Other symptoms of throat cancer can be detected by visiting a health care professional when you notice them. Among these symptoms are voice changeersistent sore throat, and trouble swallowing. Cancers of the throat can cause significant pain and interfere with normal functions of the nervous system.
Treatment options for throat cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer, location, and overall health. You may choose to undergo radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered from a machine outside the body or through tiny radioactive wires or seeds. Although treatment options can vary, the most common cancer therapies are chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiotherapy. Some of these treatments have s, pside effects, and are not always the best choice for your situation.
Treatment for throat cancer begins with a physical examination. Your doctor will look for lumps or sores in the throat and neck, as well as swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor may perform an endoscopy, or lighted tube with a camera at the tip. If the exam shows any abnormalities, a biopsy may be performed. Imaging tests may also be conducted to assess the extent of the cancer and the location and size of the tumor.
The earlier the disease is detected, the better. Treatment options for throat cancer depend on the stage, location, and individual factors. The five-year survival rate for laryngeal cancer is 60.7 percent, while for glottis cancer, the rate is 83 percent. However, this is only a general estimate and is unlikely to apply to you in particular. Increasing the number of early-stage screenings for throat cancer is essential to maximize your chance of a cure.
Some people may experience temporary tracheostomy after surgery. In more serious cases, they may have to have a tracheostomy or voice box removed. Reconstruction surgery may be necessary to restore function and appearance, but it may result in permanent loss of voice. When a cancer has spread deep into the neck, a surgical procedure called a neck dissection may be necessary. The procedure can be risky and may result in complications.
Surgery is often a common option for treatment of throat cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove cancerous tissue, which is especially difficult when the tumor is close to the larynx. Surgical treatment may also remove cervical lymph nodes to prevent the disease from spreading. Some people experience depression after their treatment, though the chances of developing depression are far higher than in healthy patients. These symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Certain types of HPV infection have been linked to throat cancer. Certain types of HPV infections have been linked to the disease, but not all people with the virus will develop the cancer. HPV-related cancers are much more common in women than in men. And, the risk for this type of cancer is increased in people who have acid reflux or chronic heartburn. Throat cancer is also associated with high exposure to certain chemicals, including tobacco smoke.
