Throat Cancer Often Goes Undiagnosed

Throat cancer treatment in Hyderabad Throat cancer specialist in Hyderabad  |

Throat begins from behind the nose and ends in the neck. It is a muscular tube. Throat cancer or pharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the throat or larynx [(voice box cancer) laryngeal cancer] – especially in the flat cells that line inside the throat. Voicebox also becomes prone to throat cancer as it lies close to the throat. These two types of cancers are basically included under “throat cancer”. When compared to other cancers, throat cancer is relatively uncommon.

The two most common types of throat cancer are

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer affects the squamous cells which are present in the lining of the throat.

Adenocarcinoma: This type is rare and it affects the glandular cells.

Signs and Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer detection is relatively difficult in the initial stages as the symptoms are not apparent. However, the most common signs and symptoms of throat cancer include the following:

• Changes in the voice (hoarseness or unclear speech)
• Swallowing difficulty
• Weight loss
• A lump or sore that doesn’t heal
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Ear pain
• Need to constantly clear the throat
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Weight loss

Throat Cancer Causes

Throat cancer develops within the cells in the throat due to abnormal growth (genetic mutations). Cells thus grow uncontrollably multiplying and damaging healthy cells. Abnormally growing cells form a tumour in the throat. There is no clear explanation of why throat cancer develops, but oncologists and head and neck surgeons have identified certain risk factors which may increase the risk of throat cancer.

Throat Cancer Risk Factors

• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Alcohol consumption
• Poor nutrition (diet lacking vegetables and fruits)
• Poor oral & dental hygiene
• Exposure to toxic substances at work
• Genetic syndromes
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus Infection)
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Diagnosis of Throat cancer

When you meet an ENT surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery, the doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and medical history. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat and persistent cough with no sign of improvement, then the ent surgeon will perform an endoscopy or laryngoscopy. With this procedure, the doctor will have a close and clear picture of the throat and larynx to detect abnormalities in the throat. If the head and neck surgeon find any abnormalities during the endoscopy or laryngoscopy procedure, then with the help of some instruments passed through the scope the doctor collects some tissue sample and then sends it to the laboratory for testing and analysis. Pathologists who specialize in the identification of cancer cells will look for the signs of cancer in the cells. They also test the tissue sample for the HPV virus In the lab, specially trained doctors (pathologists) will look for signs of cancer. The tissue sample may also be tested for HPV. To do the staging of cancerous cells the doctor will use a variety of tests such as MRI, PET scan. CT scan, barium swallow and chest X-ray.

Throat Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad

The throat cancer treatment (Hyderabad) options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The method of treatment recommended by the ENT – Head and Neck surgeon will totally depend on the extent of the disease and the overall health status of the patient. After the successful treatment of throat cancer, some people may require rehabilitation therapy to relearn how to speak. Throat cancer has a high rate of survival if it is diagnosed early.   If someone is experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms related to the throat, they should seek immediate treatment. Furthermore, even after taking treatment for two to three weeks, if there is no improvement in the condition, then consult a specialist doctor.

For throat cancer treatment in Hyderabad, meet Dr Neetu Modgil