The throat is a muscular tube that begins behind the nose and ends in the neck. Throat cancer refers to cancer that develops in the voice box (larynx) or the throat (pharynx). It usually develops in the flat cells that line the inside of the throat.
Causes of Throat Cancer
- Smoking
- Poor dental hygiene
- Genetic syndromes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
- Exposure to asbestos
Symptoms of Throat Cancer
- Changes in the voice
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Patches or sores in the mouth or throat
- Lump or sore that isn’t healing
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Weight loss
Prevention of Throat Cancer
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Avoid HPV infection
Diagnosis of Throat Cancer
- Endoscopy – The doctor may use a special scope with a camera to get a closer look at the throat. The camera transmits images to a video screen that allows the doctor to look for signs of abnormalities in the throat.
- Biopsy – If the doctor finds abnormalities during the endoscopy, they might pass surgical instruments through the scope to collect a tissue sample and test it further in the lab.
- Imaging tests – Tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans may help the doctor determine if cancer has spread beyond the throat.
Treatment of Throat Cancer
- Surgery – Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, various surgical options are available. Some procedures may include the removal of a part of your voice box or, in some cases, the throat. The details are also sometimes reconstructed to allow smooth passage of food.
- Chemotherapy – This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. It does this either by killing the cancer cells or by preventing their further division.
- Targeted Drug Therapy – This treatment uses drugs that are designed specifically to target the tumour cells. This can be used in combination with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy – It uses the body’s immune system to fight off cancer cells. Substances made in labs or by the body itself are used to boost and restore the body’s immune system and used as a defence against cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy – This is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation such as X-rays and protons to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. This treatment may be enough for small throat cancers that haven’t spread to other parts of the body. However, for more advanced cancer stages, it may be combined with chemotherapy or surgery. Radiation therapy can also help reduce the signs and symptoms of advanced throat cancers.