Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article we will look at:

• Meaning of Throat Cancer
• Symptoms of Throat Cancer
• Diagnosis of Throat Cancer
• Causes of Throat Cancer
• Prevention of Throat Cancer
• Treatment of throat cancer
• Complications with Throat Cancer
• Home remedies for Throat cancer (At the bottom of page)

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Meaning of Throat Cancer

Cancer is defined as a medical condition which leads to uncontrollable multiplication and division of abnormal cells in the human body. These abnormal cells then lead to the formation of malignant growth which is known as Tumours. When we talk about Throat Cancer, it refers to cancerous tumors that develop in your voice box, vocal cords, oropharynx, and tonsils.

Throat cancer can be divided into two categories : - 

• Pharyngeal Cancer: - As the name suggests, this form of throat cancer starts from the Pharynx part of the throat. The pharynx is the hollow tube that starts from the top of your windpipe and goes to behind your nose. 
• Laryngeal Cancer: - As the name suggests, this form of throat cancer starts from your voice box, also known as the Larynx. Your voice box is present just below your throat and consists of vocal cords which vibrate when you talk, to make a sound.

In comparison to other forms of cancer, throat cancer is a relatively rare phenomenon but is fatal nonetheless. Throat cancer spreads very quickly and requires detection and treatment at an early stage to give you the best chance of survival.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

It is relatively difficult to identify throat cancer symptoms in the early stages and can be confused with some other ailment. If you observe any of the below-mentioned throat cancer symptoms, seek medical diagnosis immediately.

• Changes in a voice like cracking or hoarseness
• Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
• Soreness in throat
• Persistent cough (with blood)
• Swelling in the lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Consistent pain in the ear 
• Wheezing
• An ongoing headache

Diagnosis of Throat Cancer

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must consult with a qualified medical practitioner. You need to explain all the symptoms that you have been experiencing along with their severity and duration. This will give the doctor an idea regarding your condition. If your doctor feels that these symptoms could indicate towards throat cancer, you will be asked to undergo a laryngoscopy. 

A laryngoscopy gives a clear view of your throat, and if any abnormalities are observed during the laryngoscopy, a biopsy (sample tissue) would be required to check for cancer. There are three types of biopsies that can be recommended depending on your condition: - 

• Conventional Biopsy: - It is performed in an operation theatre. A small incision is made to get the sample for testing. 
• Fine Needle Aspiration: - A fine needle is inserted into a tumor to get the sample for testing.
• Endoscopic Biopsy: - An endoscope is inserted in your mouth to get the sample tissue for testing.

Causes of Throat Cancer

In general, males are at higher risk of contracting throat cancer, compared to females. There is no particular cause that can be attributed to the reason behind throat cancer, but there are certain lifestyle habits that lead to one developing throat cancer: - 

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive smoking
• Prolonged exposure to asbestos
• Poor nutrition
• Poor oral hygiene
• Genetic causes

Apart from the above-mentioned causes, the risk of throat cancer increases in a persona suffering from any other type of cancer such as lung, oesophageal or bladder. This might be due to the fact that these cancers have the same risk factors.

Prevention of Throat Cancer

There is no definite way to prevent throat cancer from occurring but following precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of throat cancer: - 

• Stop smoking: - You must discontinue smoking to reduce the risk of throat cancer. As giving up smoking is a little tough, you can consult your doctor regarding the same or use OTC products.

• Moderate alcohol consumption: - If you are unable to give up alcohol entirely, reduce the quantity that you are consuming to no more than two drinks every day, women should consume only half of this.

• Lead a healthy lifestyle: - include fruits and vegetables rich in anti-oxidants in your diet. Start working out regularly to reduce weight and reduce sodium intake.

•  Prevention from HPV: - some forms of throat cancer can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) which is transmitted sexually. Reduce your sexual partners or use protection every time.

Treatment of throat cancer

With the progress of medical science, there are different types of treatments available for throat cancer. Depending on your condition, your doctor may use either or all of the below mentioned methods: - 

• Surgery: - If the tumor is small in size, the doctor may remove it with surgery, which will be conducted in a hospital and you will be administered anesthesia. 

• Radiation Therapy: - After a tumor has been replaced, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy wherein high energy rays are used to destruct the cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: - If your cancer has spread, the doctor might use chemotherapy along with radiation to kill and slow down the growth of cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: - Targeted therapy may be used in addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy as it disrupts the molecules responsible for the growth of cancer cells. 

Complications with Throat Cancer

Some complications may be experienced after the treatment, such as: -

• Inability to speak
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Disfigurement of face or neck

In some cases, you may require a speech therapist to relearn how to speak. You can also consult for reconstructive surgery for disfigurement of face or neck.