About Throat Cancer
Throat cancer can have various root causes. The most common cause is exposure to risk factors that can damage the DNA in cells of the throat. These risk factors include:
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco products, increases the risk of throat cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy and prolonged alcohol use can damage the cells in the throat and increase the risk of cancer.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Certain strains of HPV, especially HPV16, are associated with an increased risk of throat cancer.
Non-modifiable risk factors for throat cancer cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: People over the age of 55 have a higher risk of developing throat cancer.
- Genetic predispositions: Positive family history of throat cancer or other related cancers can increase the risk.
Modifiable risk factors for throat cancer can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Poor dietary habits: A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods may increase the risk.
- Low physical activity: Lack of regular exercise can contribute to an increased risk.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting oral hygiene practices may increase the risk.
- Vitamin deficiency: Inadequate intake of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A and C, may be associated with an increased risk.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: EBV is a common virus that can increase the risk of developing certain types of throat cancer.
It is important to note that these factors do not guarantee the development of throat cancer but may contribute to an increased likelihood. If you have concerns about your risk factors for throat cancer, it is best to consult with your doctor for personalized advice and recommendations.
Common early symptoms of throat cancer include:
- Vocal changes: A hoarse voice or changes in the voice that last for more than 2 weeks
- Difficulty swallowing: This can be accompanied by a burning sensation or pain in the throat when swallowing, as well as feeling that food is getting stuck.
- Persistent sore throat or cough
- Ear pain
- Lump in the neck or throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
As throat cancer progresses to later stages or higher severity, additional symptoms may occur:
- Advanced stages may lead to a lump on the neck, indicating swollen lymph nodes
- Breathing changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Unexplained weight loss
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of throat cancer can lead to better outcomes.
To diagnose throat cancer, doctors may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Complete head and neck exam: An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor will perform a thorough examination of the head and neck to check for any abnormalities.
- Lymph node palpation: The doctor will feel and examine the lymph nodes in the neck to check for swelling.
- Indirect pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy: These in-office procedures involve using mirrors on long, thin handles to investigate the throat, base of the tongue, and upper part of the voice box.
- Direct pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy: These in-office procedures involve using a flexible, fiber-optic scope called a pharyngoscope to look at structures of the head and throat that are more difficult to assess indirectly.
- Panendoscopy: This procedure involves a doctor passing different types of endoscopes through the nose or mouth to assess structures inside the head, neck, and lungs.
To determine the stage or severity of throat cancer, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:
- Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted through the nose and down the throat to examine the affected area.
- Biopsy: A sample of the affected area is removed for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests: CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, or PET (positron emission tomography) scan may be used to assess where the cancer has affected or spread to.
Other examinations, tests or procedures may be performed based on initial findings and individual factors.
The goals of treatment for throat cancer are to remove the tumor, control the spread of cancer cells, and improve overall quality of life. Here are the various types of treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Surgery: A surgeon removes the tumor and surrounding cancerous tissue. This helps to eliminate the source of cancer cells and prevent further spread.
- Radiation therapy: High-intensity X-ray beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy targets the tumor site and nearby lymph nodes, destroying cancer cells and shrinking tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Anticancer medications are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery or radiation to shrink tumors, or after to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Medications specifically target proteins that promote cancer cell growth. By blocking these proteins, targeted therapy helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy can help the body's immune system fight against throat cancer.
In addition to these treatments, health behavior changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are recommended to improve treatment outcomes. It is important to note that specific recommendations may vary depending on individual cases. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.