Throat cancer

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Cancer is a class of diseases in which abnormal cells multiply and divide uncontrollably in the body. Throat cancer is relatively uncommon compared with other cancers. Throat Cancer affects the voice box (larynx), the vocal cords, and the other parts of the throat such as the tonsils and pharynx. This is also called pharyngeal cancer.


Types of throat cancer

  


The risk factors and the treatment depends on the types of throat cancer. There are different types of throat cancer.


  • Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

  • Oropharyngeal Cancer.

  • Tonsil Cancer.

  • Laryngeal Cancer.


Stages of throat cancer


These types of cancers have their own rules and stages. Which describes how long severe the disease is.

  • Stages i and ii remain in one area of the organ.

  • Stages iii may have gone through the lymph nodes or other parts of the throat.

  • Stage iv may have spread to lymph nodes and other parts, like the head, neck or chest.

  • Stage iv is the most serious stage for distant parts of the body, like the lungs or liver.



Symptoms of throat cancer

 

Signs and symptoms that occur in the throat cancer include: 


  • Throat pain.

  • Trouble in breathing and swallowing(dysphagia).

  • Change in voice, like cracking, hoarseness.

  • Cough with blood.

  • Headache, pain in ears and neck.

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

  • Unexpected weight loss.

  • Wheezing.


Causes


Some factors which increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer.


  • Smoking tobacco.

  • Excessive alcohol consumption.

  • Human Papillomavirus(HPV).

  • Family history of cancer.

  • A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.

  • Epstein – Barr virus(EB).

  • Body weight.

  •  Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).







Treatment


The treatment method will depend on the cancer stage and the other factors.The procedure also depends on general health and preferences.

 

i) SURGERY- The surgery depends on the size of the tumour. If the tumour is small, the doctor may surgically remove the tumour.


ii) RADIATION THERAPY- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radioactive seeds are placed directly inside the tumour to destroy the cancerous cells. Brachytherapy is the type of radiation therapy used to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.


iii) CHEMOTHERAPY- Chemotherapy is a drug that kills and slows the growth of malignant cells. Doctors recommend chemotherapy as well as radiation to stop spreading the tumours and destroy cancer cells.


Prevention


There is no proven way to prevent throat cancer from occurring.

  • Quit smoking.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption.

  • Eat healthy food.

  • Protection from HPV.


Dr. Suvro Ganguly is one of the best Surgeons in Kolkata in the Department of Oncosurgery with a special interest in Coloproctology. He joined Apollo Gleneagles Hospital in December 2018 and is practicing as a Surgeon in the Department of Oncosurgery with a special interest in Coloproctology. He specializes in colorectal surgery, cancer surgery, advanced laparoscopy, advanced GI surgery, and laser proctology.

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