Among all the existing diseases, cancer is perhaps the most feared by many of us. This happens for several reasons. First, the fact that it is still a very lethal disease today makes all of us afraid of developing any type. Also, the fact that there are many different types of cancer is another reason why the disease is so feared. Finally, it is important to remember that the causes of cancer can vary widely. Today, we’ll talk about a specific type, throat cancer, and explain in detail what its causes, consequences, and treatments are. Want to know more about this subject? Find out now!
What is Throat Cancer?
First of all, it is important to define what cancer is so that you can better understand what throat cancer is and why it develops. Basically, cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in a particular tissue of the human body. Such growth causes these cells to attack and destroy other tissues, resulting in various serious consequences, including death. It is a much more common disease in men, although it can affect both sexes. Throat cancer, therefore, is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in a person’s throat. The disease can affect both the pharynx and the larynx and tends to be an aggressive type of cancer, as the throat is a vital part of the body for both breathing and eating. 
Symptoms of Throat Cancer
The symptoms of throat cancer can be quite varied, precisely because there are both respiratory and digestive pathways in our throats. However, we can list the most common symptoms that occur in both cases. They are:
- Changes in voice (hoarseness)
- Constant sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss
- Persistent bad breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling in the jaw
- Persistent cough
- Lumps in the neck
- Ear pain
- Sore in the throat that does not heal
Risk Factors
Throat cancer can arise from several causes and, for this reason, it is important to be aware of the main risk factors. They are:
- Family history of the disease
- Genetic factors
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV virus
- Being over 65 years old
- Long-term exposure to wood dust and chemicals
- Poor nutrition
If you fit into one or more of these factors, it is important to have regular check-ups and try to improve your lifestyle habits to prevent throat cancer and avoid major complications.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
The diagnosis of throat cancer is made by observing all symptoms by an otolaryngologist. Once there is suspicion that it may be this problem, the doctor may have you undergo a laryngoscopy and X-ray or CT scans to identify whether or not there is a malignant tumor. As with all types of cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances of cure. Therefore, if you are part of a risk group and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a doctor as soon as possible so you can get treatment.
Treatment of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer treatment can take various forms, depending on the stage of the disease. The most commonly used method by doctors is surgery, which aims to remove just a small part of the organ where the tumor is located. Depending on its size, there may be consequences such as changes to the voice or even its loss in more severe cases, as the vocal cords can be seriously affected by this type of cancer. There are also cases in which the patient must undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy sessions after surgery to eliminate cells that could not be removed in other ways. It is a painful process, but one that tends to have good results when done early and in the correct way.
Consequences of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer is curable, but it can have several consequences for the body and a person’s life, especially if the disease is not treated in time. The most devastating of these is the complete destruction of the throat tissues, which ultimately results in death. Other consequences are related to speech and swallowing, largely because of the very invasive treatments. If a person suffers from these consequences, they will need to undergo a rehabilitation process. Today, there are various treatments available so that people can regain their voice and live a relatively normal life even with these aftereffects. Throat cancer is undoubtedly a disease that causes a lot of fear and concern when we hear about it. However, the good news is that the disease not only has a cure, but can also be easily treated, especially if discovered early. Therefore, if you are part of any risk group, it’s important to visit a doctor regularly and take all necessary precautions to prevent throat cancer. Of course, we all get scared when we hear its name, but the fight against the disease must be even more intense.
