Do you sometimes experience a sore throat or a change in your voice? It could be a cold or something else. However, if you have symptoms that persist, it's a good idea to be a little concerned. Today we're going to talk about throat cancer. Although this is a scary topic, it's important to be aware of it.
What is this throat cancer?
Simply put, "throat cancer" is the growth of cancer cells in your throat, which is medically known as the ``pharynx'', or your larynx, which is the part of your voice box. This is a little less common than other types of cancer. However, when someone does develop this condition, most of the time the cancerous tumors develop in the middle part of the throat, the ``oropharynx'', or the larynx.
Throat cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages . When symptoms do appear, they can resemble common, less serious illnesses, such as a sore throat or earache. This is why some people delay seeing a doctor.
However, if you have symptoms that could indicate throat cancer, especially if they last more than two weeks , don't ignore them. Most throat cancers can be treated and cured. Some can even be cured completely. The key is to get diagnosed and treated early .
Are there different types of this condition?
Yes, there are several types of throat cancer. Let's see what they are:
- Oropharyngeal cancer: This forms in the middle part of your throat. This is the most common type of throat cancer in countries like the United States.
- Laryngeal cancer: This affects your voice box, or larynx. It can start in the upper part of the larynx (supraglottic cancer), in the middle part where the vocal cords are (glottic cancer), or in the lower part (subglottic cancer).
- Hypopharyngeal cancer: This forms in the part of your throat above your esophagus and windpipe.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: This develops in the part of your throat behind your nose.
What are the symptoms of throat cancer?
The symptoms of throat cancer can often be similar to those of other less serious conditions, such as a cold or allergies. The symptoms of such minor illnesses usually subside within a few days. However, if left untreated, the symptoms of throat cancer will worsen, not improve .
These are the signs and symptoms of throat cancer:
- Sore throat (like a sore throat)
- Ear pain (may feel like an earache)
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- A lump in the neck, throat, or back of the mouth
- Voice changes, such as hoarseness
- Persistent cough or coughing up blood
- Weight loss (often due to difficulty eating and swallowing)
If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a doctor to talk about them. They can then figure out exactly what's wrong with you.
What are the first signs of throat cancer?
The first symptoms of throat cancer vary depending on where the cancer is located . For example, the first symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include a lump in the neck, earache, and pain when swallowing. A common first symptom of laryngeal cancer is persistent hoarseness.
Often, throat cancer doesn't show any symptoms in its early stages. By the time you start to notice changes, the cancer may have already advanced. That's why it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms don't improve within two to three weeks.
What are the causes of throat cancer?
Throat cancer occurs when there are changes in the genes (genetic mutations) in the cells in your throat. These genetic mutations cause healthy cells to start growing and becoming cancer cells. If left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body. Researchers are still trying to figure out what causes these changes.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing throat cancer. Let's be aware of those as well.
- Smoking or using other tobacco products: The main and biggest risk factor for developing throat cancer is tobacco use .
- HPV infection: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be transmitted through oral sex. In developed countries, HPV is the leading cause of most new throat cancers.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Researchers have found that some throat cancers are linked to alcohol use. The risk is even higher if you also use tobacco.
- Epstein-Barr virus infection: This virus, which causes mononucleosis (mono), can also increase the risk of throat cancer. (It is more likely to affect nasopharyngeal cancers.)
- Exposure to toxic substances: Long-term exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, wood dust, and formaldehyde also increases the risk.
- Eating too much or too little of certain foods: Eating too much preserved meats and not eating enough vegetables and fruits also increase the risk.
How to reduce the risk?
Although there is no way to completely prevent throat cancer, there are things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Do not use cigarettes or any other tobacco products. (If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting.)
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Avoid alcohol completely or consume it in moderation.
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, such as the Mediterranean diet.
How do doctors diagnose this condition?
Doctors use several tests to diagnose throat cancer. Some of them are:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will look for signs of throat cancer, such as a lump in your neck, and will ask about your habits that increase your risk, such as smoking.
- Examination using an endoscope: Your doctor may insert a small camera-equipped tube called a scope into your throat to check for throat cancer. This is called an endoscopy. If the larynx is examined, it is called a laryngoscopy.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopy, the doctor may take a piece of suspicious tissue and send it to a lab to check for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have throat cancer.
- Imaging tests: A CT scan and MRI can show if you have cancer in your throat and larynx. A PET scan can also see if the cancer has spread beyond the throat.
Staging of cancer
Cancer staging allows doctors to determine how far throat cancer has grown and spread. This is a very important part of the diagnosis. The way these stages are named varies depending on the type of cancer. Throat cancer is usually classified as stage I (one) - the least advanced - to stage IV (four) - the most advanced and spread.
For example, Stage I throat cancer means the tumor is small and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other tissues. Stage IV cancer may have spread (metastasized) to other areas.
How is throat cancer treated?
Doctors use a variety of methods to treat throat cancer. If you are a smoker, they may advise you to quit smoking before starting cancer treatment. This will increase the success of the treatment and reduce the risk of side effects.
Surgery
The main goal of surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible while preserving your ability to breathe, speak, and swallow. Your doctor can remove small lumps while taking tissue for a biopsy. For larger lumps, you may need to have a laryngectomy, or open surgery to remove part or all of your voice box. You may also need a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes where cancer cells have spread.
Radiation therapy
The most common treatment for throat cancer is radiation therapy, which uses a machine to send high-energy beams of energy to kill cancer cells. This may be enough for small tumors that have not spread. Or, radiation therapy may be given along with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Doctors often use chemotherapy and radiation therapy together to treat throat cancer. Chemotherapy is used to shrink tumors before surgery and to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Your doctor may recommend targeted therapy or immunotherapy, which are less commonly used for throat cancer. Targeted therapies work by blocking proteins that cancer cells use to grow. Immunotherapy works by activating your own immune system to fight cancer.
This treatment is usually recommended for advanced throat cancers and for cancers that have recurred after treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have unexplained head or neck symptoms that don't improve after a few weeks, make an appointment to see a doctor. Don't panic, thinking it's cancer. But don't take any chances. Tell your doctor about what you're experiencing.
What can I expect if I have throat cancer?
Your outcome, or prognosis, depends on many factors that are unique to you. Doctors can sometimes cure throat cancer that has not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. However, cancers that have spread are more difficult to cure. They are also more likely to come back after treatment.
Your general health, the location of the cancerous lump, and whether you have been infected with HPV are also important. HPV-related throat cancers seem to respond better to treatment than other types.
What is the survival rate for throat cancer?
Cancer survival rates indicate how many people are alive five years after diagnosis. In the case of throat cancer, survival rates vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
For example, about 7 out of 10 people with mouth or throat cancer will live five years after diagnosis. However, if the cancer has not spread, that number drops to about 8 or 9 out of 10. Of course, these statistics are for the general population. They don't reflect specific factors related to your diagnosis.
Your doctor knows better than anyone how these statistics will affect you. Ask him or her how your diagnosis will affect your life expectancy.
Is there anything I can do to feel better?
If you are being treated for throat cancer, you may need help managing the long-term effects. Both radiation therapy and surgery can affect your ability to swallow, speak, and hear. Rehabilitation with a speech-language pathologist may be essential to your recovery. If you are concerned about your appearance after surgery, you may need reconstructive surgery.
Your doctor may also recommend palliative care to help you manage the side effects of treatment. Unlike hospice care, palliative care is a service that you can get regardless of the stage of your cancer or your prognosis.
The most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)
The symptoms of throat cancer can often be seen in other conditions, such as colds, infections, and allergies. So, if you suddenly develop a hoarse voice and can't figure out why, don't panic. However, if the condition doesn't improve in a week or two, it's time to see a doctor. In the meantime, you can greatly reduce your risk of throat cancer by avoiding tobacco use and taking steps to prevent HPV infection. Taking precautions now can protect you from developing throat cancer later.
` Throat cancer, cancer symptoms, HPV, smoking, laryngeal cancer, cancer treatment, medical advice
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