Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Recognizing throat cancer
• Part 2 of 2: Undergoing a diagnosis and treatment
• Warnings

Anyone can get throat cancer, a general term for cancer of the pharynx or larynx. Although throat cancer is relatively rare, you should be aware of and recognize the possible symptoms of the disease. If you notice that you have symptoms that could indicate this, see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can confirm whether there is throat cancer and draw up a treatment plan.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Recognizing throat cancer

1. Estimate your risk of developing throat cancer. Doctors know that throat cancer is caused by a genetic mutation in the cells of the throat, but they are not sure what triggers this mutation. Being aware of the potential risk of developing throat cancer can help you recognize the symptoms and receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
   • Men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women.
   • The risk of developing throat cancer increases with age.
   • People who smoke and use chewing tobacco have a higher risk of developing throat cancer.
   • Excessive alcohol consumption also increases your risk.
   • In fact, alcohol and tobacco consumption are the main risk factors for developing throat cancer.
   • The human papillomavirus (HPV) virus can make you more susceptible to throat cancer.
   • Not eating enough fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
   • Reflux disease can also increase your risk.
2. Determine if there are any possible symptoms. Most throat cancer symptoms are not specific to cancer, so you will need to pay extra attention to the oral cavity. Recognizing possible symptoms of throat cancer can help you get a relatively quick diagnosis and treatment. Throat cancer symptoms are:
   • Cough
   • Changes in voice, which may include hoarseness or inability to speak clearly
   • Problems with swallowing
   • Earache
   • Sores or swelling in the throat that do not heal on their own or with over-the-counter remedies
   • A sore throat
   • Weight loss
   • Recurring headaches
3. Examine your throat for bumps and irregularities. Irregular growths or growths and bumps can be a sign of throat cancer. Examination of your throat can help identify any unusual growths.
   • Stick your tongue out and see if you see any cuts or growths.
   • It may be a little more difficult to examine the inside of your mouth or throat, but open your mouth as wide as you can and look inside. Shine a light in your mouth to better identify irregularities.
   • Check your mouth and throat regularly so that you know what the environment usually looks like.
   • Look for changes in the appearance of your throat, including differences in color or skin texture. Growths that look like warts or ulcers can be an indication of throat cancer.
   • Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.Regular dental check-ups can also help monitor for any changes or complaints of the mouth or throat.
4. Watch for pain or bleeding. Pay attention to persistent pain or bleeding in your mouth or throat. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as throat cancer, especially if it does not go away.
   • Be alert for persistent pain in the throat, especially while swallowing.
   • Watch for bleeding from cuts, growths, or nodules.
5. Talk about it with your partner. Ask your partner to check your throat for symptoms of throat cancer. He or she may notice symptoms or changes in your oral cavity more quickly than you can.

Part 2 of 2: Undergoing a diagnosis and treatment

1. See your doctor. If you suffer from any of the symptoms of throat cancer and / or are someone at a higher risk of developing this disease, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosed early enough, throat cancer is highly treatable, with a cure rate of 50 to 90%, depending on the stage your doctor diagnosed with the disease.
   • You can go to your doctor. If necessary, your doctor can refer you to other doctors or specialists, such as a throat, nose and ear doctor.
   • Your doctor will likely perform an examination of your oral cavity and throat. The doctor can also look at your health history, which can include factors such as your health habits and previous illnesses you have had.
   • This examination by the doctor may consist of a check of your throat with an endoscope.
2. Get further examined for a definitive diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that you have developed throat cancer, he / she will likely request additional testing. Examination, such as a biopsy or an endoscopy, can confirm a diagnosis of throat cancer.
   • The most common test for throat cancer is an endoscopy. Your doctor will insert a small camera with a light (an endoscope) into your throat or larynx and examine it using camera images.
   • Your doctor may also perform a biopsy, in which cells or tissue are removed from your throat and sent to a lab for further testing.
   • In some cases, the doctor can also refer you to take pictures, such as a CAT scan or an MRI. Imaging can help the doctor determine how much of the throat cancer has spread.
   • If the exam confirms throat cancer, additional tests may be required to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
   • Additional tests may include a lymph node biopsy or more in-depth exam photos.
3. Get treatment. If your doctor detects throat cancer, he or she will prescribe a treatment based on how much the disease has spread. There are several treatment options and they can be successful if throat cancer is diagnosed early.
   • Your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the stage of your cancer. You should also talk to your doctor about your options and what can reassure you.
   • The four main treatments for throat cancer are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted medication.
   • Radiation therapy is often the only treatment needed in the early stages of throat cancer. It uses high-energy rays such as X-rays to kill the cancer cells.
   • Surgery can be as simple as scraping cancer cells from your throat and larynx to much more extensive operations that remove part of the throat and lymph nodes.
   • Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that kill cancer cells. In some cases chemotherapy is used in conjunction with radiation.
   • Targeted therapy with medications such as cetuximab attacks certain defects in cancer cells. These drugs help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
   • Consider participating in a clinical drug trial, which gives you the opportunity to try a new treatment method.
4. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Both tobacco and alcohol consumption are closely linked to throat cancer. Avoid these as much as possible to make your treatments more effective, but also to reduce the chances of throat cancer coming back after you have been declared cured.
   • Smoking has several negative effects on throat cancer patients. It can make a treatment less effective, reduce your ability to heal, and increase the risk of throat cancer recurring.
   • It is also important to stop consuming alcohol. Not only can this make your treatments more effective, but it can also lower your risk of the disease returning.
   • If you find it difficult to quit tobacco or alcohol, especially during stressful times, talk to your doctor to get help in resisting these drugs.

Warnings

• Do not ignore these symptoms. If you suspect or are even just unsure of throat cancer, see your doctor as soon as possible. Prevention is better than cure.