Throat Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Throat Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Throat cancer is cancer or malignancy that occurs in the throat area. Cancerous growths can occur in the voice box, vocal cords, or other parts of the throat. Like most cancers, throat cancer occurs when normal cells become abnormal and cancerous so they grow uncontrollably.

Based on its location, throat cancer is divided into two broad categories, namely cancer of the pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx) and larynx (voice box and vocal cords). Meanwhile, based on cell type, there are two primary types of throat cancer, namely squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Of the two, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type.

Knowing the type of cancer can help determine the most effective treatment method. Although throat cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers, this disease should not be underestimated. This cancer is also more common in men than women.

Symptom

Some of the common symptoms of throat cancer include:

• voice changed
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• persistent cough sometimes to cough up blood
• swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
• weight loss
• sore throat
• desire to clear the throat (clear the throat)
• wheeze
• ear pain
• hoarseness

Reason

Throat cancer is a disease caused by multiple factors. Some of the risk factors associated with throat cancer are:

• smoke
• excess alcohol consumption
• vitamin A deficiency
• exposure to asbestos
• poor dental health
• HPV infection (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted disease
• have another cancer, such as that of the esophagus (gullet), lung or bladder

Diagnosis

It is difficult to detect throat cancer in its early stages. The doctor will suspect throat cancer if the patient has a sore throat, hoarseness, and persistent cough for no apparent reason.

A laryngoscopy can look at the throat and look for tumors. A throat sample will also be taken with a laryngoscope or biopsy for examination in the laboratory. Radiological examinations such as X-rays, MRI, CT- scans, and PET scans to assess the cancer that occurs.

Treatment

Treatment of throat cancer includes a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgical removal of the tumor can be performed on small tumors or multiple lymph nodes. Radiotherapy can be done to destroy malignant cancer cells.

In cancer that is large and has spread to the spleen and other organs, treatment may be a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is a drug that kills and slows the growth of malignant cells. Patients who have recovered may need training to speak, swallow, and even breathe.