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If you are wondering why you’re feeling unwell lately, it may be automatic for you to reach for the thermometer. Sometimes, a common cold can be a symptom of a neck or throat problem from a viral infection. Although people can get confused from allergies, flu, or a common cold, there are significant differences. Notably, many types of throat cancer can start with little symptoms that viral infections can also show. The types of throat cancer, according to the experience of this ENT surgeon in Sydney, have treatment available ranging from the medical to dental expertise. If you want to prevent throat cancer, we suggest that you read these facts before asking your general physician.
How Do You Know If It’s Cancer?
Apart from asking your doctor about the symptoms, you can check your throat or even your mouth for signs of throat cancer according to its types. The leading cause of throat cancer is due to the growth of squamous cancer cells or cell carcinoma. These cells are usually thin and flat and form in the walls of the throat. Commonly, viral infections and flu may go away after prescription medication and rest. But, cancer can become chronic or need advanced medical procedures like surgery to extract the cancerous cells. Depending on the stage of cancer, the disease can spread from the throat to the neck and upwards the mouth, nose, and head. Here are visible signs of the types of throat cancer to look out for.
Symptoms For Throat Cancer Are:
- Ear or neck pain when swallowing
- Lump or swelling in the neck
- Lymph nodes are inflamed
- Nasal congestion
- Patches, lesions, sores in the mouth
- Hoarseness of voice when speaking
- Gradual weight loss
2 Types Of Throat Cancer
Two throat cancers have subcategories that are specific to an area inside the pharynx or larynx. If you want to know additional details, it may be best to schedule an appointment with an ENT (Eyes, Nose, Throat) doctor or an otolaryngologist. Some specialists like an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, an oncologist or a plastic and reconstructive surgeon can also offer services to remove cancer and reconstruct your throat.
Pharyngeal cancer (Pharynx)
Pharyngeal cancer has three subtypes for throat cancer. First, nasopharynx cancer is located at the upper part of the throat behind the nose. This disease can damage the roof of the mouth and soft palate once benign tumor becomes malignant. The middle part of the pharynx, Oropharynx can also develop cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer is found at the middle of your throat behind the tonsils, tongue, and soft palate. Lastly, Hypopharynx has a type of cancer that forms above the voice box or larynx and forms at the bottom of the throat. According to ENT doctors, heavy tobacco and alcohol use, HPV, and immune disorders can cause any type of pharyngeal cancer.
Laryngeal cancer (Larynx)
The larynx or the voice box of a person is also a susceptible organ in the body for throat cancer. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), there are 12,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer in the United States each year. Larynx also has many subtypes of disease and may affect a person’s food ingestion. Supraglottis (above), glottis (includes vocal cords), and subglottis (below) are all found in the vocal cords which may be complex to diagnose.
The Various Types Of Throat Cancer Can Lead To Other Health Risks
Patients with throat cancer may need immediate treatment to prevent squamous carcinogen cells from spreading. It can be risky to prolong health care for types of throat cancer since it disrupts you from eating food, drinking, speaking and even breathing. Research studies show that the lack of a healthy lifestyle like eating vegetables, fruits, and a workplace environment can be a risk factor for even one type of throat cancer. Thyroid cancer can also be a long – term risk for any type of throat cancers. Additionally, the risk of any type of throat cancer can also come from gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). That said, to prevent your health from complications, ask for a checkup from a local hospital or clinic.
What Are The Treatments For Throat Cancer?
Today, there are many services that doctors may offer to provide help for patients with throat concerns. However, the diagnosis for the treatment may depend on the stage of cancer and the financial capability of the patient. You may find several options like surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and laser surgery for removing the squamous carcinogen cell. But, you may have to assess if your tumor is benign or malignant first. The symptoms of cancer can also overlap with other health problems and may not necessarily need surgery. If you are experiencing nerve changes, pain and is hoping for a cure, you may ask a reliable hospital or throat center. Hence, the patient must prepare for any postoperative care treatment to prevent the cancer cells from growing back.
