Throat Cancer: Signs and Symptoms:
The term ‘throat cancer’ is not commonly used anymore. This is because the throat is a huge area of the body, which can be affected in many different ways. The most common form of throat cancer is oropharyngeal cancer, which is what most people mean when they talk about throat cancer. The oropharynx is located at the back of the mouth. The most common signs and symptoms include a persistent sore throat, a lump in the neck, and problems with swallowing.
Throat Cancer Treatment Options:
There are a number of different throat cancer treatment options. Generally, the grade and stage of the cancer will determine which treatment is best, and your overall health will also play a part. Treatment is very carefully planned by a team of specialists. The goal is to not just treat the cancer, but also to not damage the throat and the patient’s appearance. Hence, the different throat cancer treatment options will be discussed in detail with you, including the corresponding side effects. This empowers you to make a decision about your own health.
Common treatment options include radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. During the early stages of the disease, when the cancer is still small, surgery and/or radiotherapy may be all that is needed. In larger cancers, or if it has already spread to the lymph nodes, a variety of treatments will generally be offered. Usually, you will receive both radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the same time, a process known as ‘chemoradiation’. This may be followed by surgery.
Throat Cancer Surgery:
Surgery is sometimes used to remove early stage cancers, or to remove larger tumors in more advanced stages. The surgery that will be used will depend on where the tumor is located and how big it is. In small cancers, the surgery can be performed transorally, which means it goes through the open mouth. This is achieved by using an endoscope that allows the surgeon to clearly see the throat. With a small laser, the cancer will then be removed. This procedure does not leave any visible scars and recovery time is quite short. Additionally, your ability to swallow or speak may be less compromised.
For larger, or awkwardly placed cancers, the operation may be performed through the neck. Sometimes, a part of the tongue or jawbone has to be removed as well. These areas are then generally rebuilt using tissues, skin and bone from other parts of the body.
The lymph nodes may also need to be removed. This is always done through the neck. Generally, this procedure is performed if the cancer has spread to the nodes, or if there is a chance of the cancer returning after treatment.
The length of time you will need to stay in the hospital will vary, depending on a range of factors. With complicated surgeries, you may have to stay admitted for as long as three weeks. Sometimes, you will also be placed on intensive care or some other high dependency unit for some time after your surgery. All of this will be discussed with you before you go into surgery.
