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Throat cancer can affect the voice box, tonsils, or throat. Risk factors include smoking, alcoholism, and chewing tobacco. Symptoms include ear pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment options include radiation therapy and surgery. It’s important to choose a doctor you trust and stay informed.
Throat cancer occurs when tumors develop in the voice box, tonsils, or throat itself. There can be several risk factors, including smoking, alcoholism and use of chewing tobacco. Knowing the various aspects of throat cancer, from symptoms to treatment, can help you understand the condition.
One of the areas affected by throat cancer is the voice box, which contains the vocal cords and is made up of cartilage. The tonsils, which are located in the back of the throat, can also be affected by tonsil cancer, which is a form of throat cancer. The last area that may be affected is the throat itself, which is a 5 inch (12.7 cm) long muscular tube that extends to the end of the neck from the nose.
There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing throat cancer. Substance use such as chewing tobacco and smoking, as well as heavy drinking, may be just some of the risk factors. Others include being exposed to asbestos, not practicing good dental hygiene, and having HPV, also known as human papillomavirus. To eliminate or severely reduce risk factors, it may be beneficial to stop chewing tobacco and smoking, and drastically reduce alcohol intake. It can also help you develop better dental hygiene and get regular checkups at the dentist.
Some of the many symptoms of throat cancer include ear pain, persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. A lump in the back of the neck, mouth and throat can also be a sign. Keep track of symptoms, even those that seem insignificant, and see a doctor if they persist. If a lump is found, it is crucial to go to the doctor right away to have it checked.
To check for throat cancer, you will need X-rays, as well as a laryngoscopy or endoscopy. These are tests that allow your doctor to get a better look at your throat, especially the affected area. Several factors will come into play to help your doctor determine your next course of action. Two of the possible options are radiation therapy or surgery, however a combination of both is also possible.
It’s important to choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and who takes the time to answer all your questions. Following your doctor’s directions, as well as staying informed through self-education, can help during the process. Throat cancer, while scary and difficult, can feel a little less scary when there is a good understanding of each step that will happen, as well as having a good medical team and support system you can rely on.
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