Throat Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

Throat cancer refers to cancer that develops in the throat (Pharynx) and the voice box or larynx. It most often begins in the squamous cells that line the inside of the pharynx. Throat cancer most commonly affects men over 55 years. Throat cancer treatment includes radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.

Throat Cancer Causes

• Age > 55 Years
• Male > Female
• Asians more affected
• Pan and gutka chewing
• Tobacco use (in any form), including exposure to second-hand smoke
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This is usually the reason throat cancer is seen in young people – HPV 16 +18
• Poor diet
• Bad oral hygiene
• Plummer Vinson syndrome

Throat Cancer Symptoms

• Sore throat, including pain or discomfort.
• Hoarseness, slurring of speech, trouble pronouncing certain words.
• Trouble swallowing accompanied by pain or a burning sensation when chewing.
• Lump in the throat.
• Weight loss, as eating and swallowing are painful.
• Coughing up blood.
• Loss of appetite

Throat Cancer Diagnosis

Detection and diagnosis are usually through a medical examination, using an endoscopy (to get a closer look at the throat) or a laryngoscopy (where a scope is inserted into the voice box). If abnormalities are found, a biopsy is usually ordered. Imaging tests, including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), are also used to determine the extent of cancer.

Throat Cancer Treatment

Throat Cancer Treatment is based on the type of cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the mouth or lymph nodes. Cancer treatment usually involves:

Surgery

Laser surgery, Robotic Surgery, Endoscopic Surgery, Conventional Open surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy are high-energy rays that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent new ones from growing.

Chemotherapy

Anticancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells. Doctors usually recommend chemotherapy for advanced-stage (3 and 4) cancer combined with radiation. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce the side of the tumor and also after surgery depending upon stage of the disease.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. It is typically recommended for advanced-stage throat cancers.

Complications of Throat Cancer

Possible complications of throat cancer include hardening of the skin of the neck or disfigurement of the neck or face, loss of voice and speaking ability, metastasis or spread of cancer to other parts of the body, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, eating and drinking, nerve damage during surgery or chemotherapy, dental problems such as tooth loss, lymphedema (which leads to swelling in the face, neck, or chest), and hypothyroidism (if the radiation therapy affects the thyroid gland).

Throat Cancer Prevention

Primary Prevention

• Avoiding tobacco (both smoking and second-hand smoke)
• Avoiding excess alcohol consumption
• Get the HPV vaccine
• Precautions during oral sex

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention would include regular physical examinations as prescribed by the doctor; regular CT Scans/MRIs and dental screening.

Prognosis of Throat Cancer

When diagnosed at an early stage, prognosis is generally better than some other types of cancer. Overall, the five-year survival rate is 65% after diagnosis. The ten-year survival rate is 55%.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can throat cancer be cured?

Yes, throat cancer can be cured, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

2. What is the best treatment for throat cancer?

The best treatment for throat cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the individual's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments, as determined by a medical professional.

3. How long can you live with throat cancer?

The survival rate for throat cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the individual's age and overall health, and the type of treatment received. With early diagnosis and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for throat cancer can be up to 90%.

4. What does Stage 1 throat cancer look like?

In stage 1 throat cancer, the tumor is generally small and localized to the throat lining or vocal cords. It may appear as a small, white or red lesion or sore that does not heal, or a small, painless lump.

5. How successful is throat cancer?

The success rate for treating throat cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the individual's overall health, and the treatment received. With early diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate for throat cancer can be high.

6. How painful is throat cancer?

Throat cancer can be painful, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Symptoms may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, or hoarseness. However, not all cases of throat cancer are painful, and symptoms may vary.

7. What is end stage throat cancer?

End stage throat cancer refers to advanced stages of the disease when the cancer has spread beyond the throat and lymph nodes to other parts of the body. At this stage, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

8. What age can throat cancer occur?

Throat cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over the age of 50. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of developing throat cancer, as can exposure to certain viruses and chemicals.

9. What is the main cause of throat cancer?

The main cause of throat cancer is tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco. Heavy alcohol consumption, a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and exposure to certain viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV) can also increase the risk of developing throat cancer.

10. What is the biggest symptom of throat cancer?

The most common symptom of throat cancer is a persistent sore throat or hoarseness that does not improve with time. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, ear pain, a lump or mass in the neck, or unexplained weight loss.

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