All individuals are potentially at risk for throat cancer, a general term to describe cancer of the larynx or pharynx. Although this is a rather rare disease, it is important to be aware of it and to know the potential signs. If you find that you have any symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. He will be able to confirm the diagnosis and set up an appropriate treatment plan.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing a Throat Cancer
Step 1. Know your risk factors
Doctors know that this disease is caused by genetic mutations in throat cells, although it is not yet known what triggers this alteration. Being aware of the potential risk factors for this cancer can help you recognize the symptoms so you can get a diagnosis quickly and start treatment early.
- Men are more at risk than women.
- The risk of getting sick increases with age.
- People who smoke and chew tobacco are more likely to develop cancer.
- Another responsible factor is excessive alcohol consumption.
- In fact, alcohol and tobacco are the first risk factors for this carcinoma.
- HPV (human papilloma virus) infection can make you more vulnerable to throat cancer.
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables increases the risk percentage.
- Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is also another responsible factor.
Step 2. Identify possible symptoms
Most signs of throat cancer are not cancer specific, so special care is needed in checking the oral cavity. Being able to recognize possible symptoms can help you get a relatively timely diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can be:
- Cough;
- Changes in voice, including hoarseness and the inability to speak clearly
- Difficulty swallowing
- Otalgia;
- Sores or lumps that don't heal on their own or with over-the-counter medications
- Sore throat;
- Weight loss;
- Frequent headaches.
Step 3. Examine your throat for lumps or irregularities
If you notice any unusual swellings or bumps, be aware that they could be indicators of a tumor. By observing the throat you can identify any growths.
- Stick out your tongue and look for lesions or abnormal masses on it.
- It may be a little difficult to be able to look inside the mouth and throat, but try to open your mouth as much as possible to be able to see better. Eventually it also points a light inside the oral cavity to identify any irregularities.
- Try to check your throat and mouth regularly - this will help you get to know their normal appearance.
- Pay attention to any changes in appearance, including differences in skin color or texture. Growths that look like ulcers or warts can indicate cancer.
- Make a doctor's appointment if you notice any of these symptoms.
Step 4. Check for pain or blood
Pay attention to your mouth and throat, be alert in case you experience prolonged pain or notice blood. These are symptoms that indicate a serious problem, such as a tumor, especially if they do not improve.
- See if the pain in your throat persists, especially when you swallow.
- Check for blood from lesions, lumps, or bumps.
Step 5. Talk to your partner or spouse
Ask him to look in your throat and if he has noticed any cancer-related symptoms. He may recognize signs or changes in your mouth faster than you.
Part 2 of 2: Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of throat cancer or notice them in someone who is at risk for this disease, make an appointment for a visit as soon as possible. When diagnosed early this cancer is still treatable, with a success rate of between 50 and 90%, depending on the stage it is in at the time of diagnosis.
- You can go to your GP or an otolaryngologist. If necessary, your doctor may advise you to see other specialists.
- The doctor will also be able to evaluate the opportunity to undergo oral and mouth examinations; they will also want to know your medical history, including various factors such as previous illnesses and how you care for yourself.
- The examination could consist of looking at the throat with an endoscope, an instrument that is equipped with light.
Step 2. Undergo other tests to get a definitive diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you have developed throat cancer, they will likely ask you for additional tests, such as a biopsy or endoscopic exam, so that they know for sure the nature of the disease.
- The most common test for diagnosing this type of cancer is the endoscopic examination. The doctor inserts a small instrument with light, called an endoscope, into the throat and larynx to examine the cavity through images transmitted to a monitor.
- You will also likely need to undergo a biopsy, which is the removal of a sample of internal throat cells or tissue which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- In some cases, your doctor may also order an imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI. This type of test helps doctors determine how far the cancer has spread.
- If the test confirms throat cancer, further tests will be needed to determine if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
- These more thorough examinations include a biopsy of the lymph nodes or diagnostic tests for more accurate imaging.
Step 3. Undergo treatments
Once the disease is diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe a course of treatments that varies according to the extent of the cancer. There are several therapies and can lead to positive results when the disease is diagnosed early.
- Depending on the stage reached by the tumor, your doctor will prescribe a specific treatment. You can also discuss any options with him and choose the one that creates the least inconvenience for you.
- The four main therapies used to fight cancer are: radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
- In the first stage of the disease, radiotherapy is often the only treatment needed. This treatment uses high-energy beams from sources such as X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgery can range from a simple procedure, such as a "scraping" of cancer cells from the throat and larynx, to a more complex operation that involves removing part of the throat and lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that kill cancer cells. In some cases it is performed in conjunction with radiation therapy.
- Targeted drug therapy uses specific drugs, such as Cetuximab, which act on certain defects in cancer cells. This therapy helps slow or stop the growth of diseased cells.
- Also consider taking part in a clinical trial, which may give you the chance to try new drug techniques.
Step 4. Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Both of these substances are closely related to throat cancer. By giving up on it as much as possible, you can make the treatments more effective, as well as avoiding possible recurrence once the tumor is cured.
- Smoking has serious consequences for patients, as it can make treatments less effective, reduce the ability to heal and increase the risk of new cancerous growths.
- Another important aspect is to stop drinking alcohol as well. Doing so not only increases the effectiveness of the treatments, but also minimizes the risk of relapses.
- If you have great difficulty quitting smoking or drinking alcohol, especially when you are experiencing particularly tense or stressful situations, talk to your doctor so that he can suggest remedies to avoid these substances as much as possible.
