Welcome to the throat cancer page!
Whether you or someone you love has throat cancer, you've come to the right place!
Bookmark us now for the latest infomation on throat cancer research, throat cancer remedies, throat cancer risk, throat cancer prevention, screening, symptoms, diagnois, treatment and support for all people that have throat cancer
Throat cancer alternative names
Vocal cord cancer, Throat cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Cancer of the glottis
Throat Cancer Overview
A new or recurrent diagnosis of Throat Cancer often results in fear and confusion for patients and their family members. Understanding treatment options, accessing new and innovative therapies through clinical trials, as well as understanding the role of supportive care and complementary and alternative medicine are essential. Cancer screening, genetic testing and prevention are equally relevant to all individuals, especially those related to someone diagnosed with cancer.
What is throat cancer?
Cancer of the throat usually originates from cells which cover the mucous membrane lining the throat. As the tumour grows, it penetrates the mucous membrane and the muscle layers to surrounding tissues. The lymph nodes, neck, lungs and other organs can gradually become affected.
Generally cancer of the throat occurs in three distinct regions: the oropharynx, the nasopharynx and the hypopharynx. However, because these cancers have so many common features, they can be discussed together. Throat cancer is three times more common in males than in females and generally does not occur before the age of 50.
What causes throat cancer?
* Smoking* Excessive ckklonsumption of alcohol.
* Inhaling coal, asbestos or diesel fumes.
* Poor oral hygiene.
* Excessive consumption of salty meat.
* Abnormal tissue growth.
Symptoms of throat cancer
An early indication of oral and throat cancer is one or more changes in the way the soft tissues of your mouth usually look or feel. Signs and symptoms may include:* Hoarseness that does not resolve in 1 to 2 weeks
* Sore throat that does not resolve in 1 to 2 weeks
* Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat
* Pain around your teeth, or loosening of your teeth
* Neck pain or lump in your neck
* Difficulty swallowing
* Difficulty chewing or moving your tongue
* Difficulty moving your jaw, or pain in your jaw
* Swelling in the neck
* Unintentional weight loss
* Cough
* Coughing up blood
* Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
* Severe pain in one ear with a normal eardrum
Most oral cancers arise on the tongue or on the floor of the mouth. They also
may occur inside your cheeks, on your gums or on the roof of your mouth.
Complications
* Airway obstruction* Loss of voice and speaking ability
* Disfigurement of the neck or face
* Hardening of the skin of the neck
* Difficulty swallowing
* Spread of the cancer to other body areas (metastasis)
Prevention
Minimize or avoid smoking and excess alcohol use.
How is throat cancer treated?
Treatment of throat cancer is rather risky and complex. Factors considered by a doctor are the location of the cancer and the stage of development, as well as the impact treatment may have on your speech.
If the cancer is detected at an early stage it can be cured through radiation and surgery. However, if it is not caught early enough extensive surgery is required and the larynx and pharynx may have to be removed. If the larynx is removed, you will have to relearn how to speak. Removal of the pharynx necessitates surgical insertion of a tube to enable the passage of food. However, in half of all cases, remission is obtained.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate cancer of the throat, especially hoarseness or change in voice with no obvious cause that lasts longer than 1 week. Also call your health care provider if you find a lump in the neck that does not go away in 2-3 weeks.