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.
Throat Cancer News
Oral sex may raise throat-cancer risk
9 May 2007 at 10:12pm
The sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer also sharply increases the risk of certain types of throat cancer among people infected through oral sex, according to a study being published today.
HPV Proven Major Cause of Throat Cancer
9 May 2007 at 4:48am
HPV is proven a major cause of throat cancer, according to a study from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
Blood test may help signal tumor's remission, return in throat cancer patients
31 May 2007 at 10:00pm
A blood test that detects proteins commonly released by a growing tumor could one day become a useful tool for monitoring the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in people with advanced throat cancer, according to a study published in the June 1, 2007, issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Oral Sex Increases Throat Cancer Risk Scientists Say
10 May 2007 at 1:00am
In a new study, US scientists suggest that people who have oral sex with 5 or more partners during their lifetime have a much greater chance of having throat cancer and they suspect the cause is a well known strain of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) that is linked to a number of anogenital cancers. [click link for full article]
Web site for people with mouth, throat and other head and neck cancers
30 Jul 2005 at 6:00pm
Mouth Cancer Foundation is a charity solely dedicated to supporting people with mouth, throat and other head & neck cancer face the crisis of cancer... click link for more info.
Dr. Helaine Smith Offers Test To Aid Early Detection Of Oral Cancer
25 Jan 2008 at 6:00am
Helaine Smith, DMD is now offering a new diagnostic tool, Vizilite Plus, to aid in the early detection of oral cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. Studies suggest that people with more than five oral sex partners increase their risk for throat cancer by 250%.
Throat Cancers And HPV Infection Linked
15 May 2007 at 3:00pm
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have conclusive evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes some throat cancers in both men and women. [click link for full article]
Newer radiation treatment easier for some throat cancer patients
29 Nov 2007 at 10:00pm
Treating throat cancer with intensity modulated radiation therapy can improve the health-related quality of life of patients compared to conventional radiation therapy, according to a study in the Dec. 1 issue of the International Journal for Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
Health Science Center surgeon urges early detection for throat cancer
14 Sep 2006 at 11:32am
Reflux disease can be an early warning sign for esophageal cancer, according to a local surgeon who specializes in cancer treatments.
Oral Cancer
12 Jul 2006 at 3:09am
Many healthy people who smoke or drink may have a genetic alteration in the cells of the mouth and throat that could signal an increased risk of developing cancer.
A simple inspection of the mouth by trained healthcare workers could reduce oral cancer deaths worldwide by at least 37,000 annually. Oral cancer is a common problem [?]
Radiation Or Chemoradiation: Which Is Best For Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients With Dysphagia?
25 Sep 2006 at 1:00am
Patients with stage IV oropharyngeal cancer -- a type of cancer that develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth that assists with breathing, talking, eating, chewing, and swallowing -- are often treated with radiation alone or with chemoradiation. [click link for full article]
Robotic surgery dramatically reduces physical trauma for head & neck cancer patients
14 May 2005 at 6:05am
For patients with cancer of the mouth and throat, surgery is a frequent course of treatment, often leading to speech and swallowing dysfunction and external scarring... click link for more info.
Aerosmith Bassist Treated for Cancer
25 Aug 2006 at 1:10pm
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton is recovering from radiation treatment for throat cancer and will skip the beginning of the band's upcoming tour, the band's publicist said....
The Consequences of Surviving Throat Cancer at 37
21 Jan 2008 at 9:07pm
Peter Broomfield has not worked since he underwent surgery in 1990 to remove his larynx. At the end of each month, he has nothing left.
Roll Call, February 28
28 Feb 2007 at 12:30am
Rep. Mike Merrifield, who was diagnosed with throat cancer the day before the session opened in January, received a standing ovation from his colleagues Tuesday.