What is throat cancer: a complete guide for patients

Sore throat, hoarseness, feeling of a foreign body in the throat — most people perceive these symptoms as a common cold or the result of straining the vocal cords. That is why throat cancer is often diagnosed late, when the disease has already progressed to more advanced stages.

Timely medical attention and early diagnosis allow treatment to begin at a stage when the chances of a full recovery are highest. In this article, we will discuss what throat cancer is, how it develops, and what symptoms should raise alarm.

What is throat cancer and what organs does it affect?

The term “throat cancer” is used quite widely in everyday speech, but medically it covers several anatomical areas. We are talking about malignant tumors that occur in the larynx, pharynx, or nasopharynx. Each of these areas has its own structure and functions, so the oncological process in them can develop differently.

• Laryngeal tumors most often develop here, as the vocal cords and surrounding tissues are constantly subjected to mechanical stress.
• Malignant tumors of the pharynx can occur in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or nasopharynx.
• Tumors of the nasopharynx are often detected late because they do not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. At the same time, benign tumors of the pharynx also occur, but they have a completely different prognosis and require a different approach to treatment.

Throat cancer: main causes and risk factors

The development of cancer in the throat is almost always associated with prolonged exposure of the mucous membrane to adverse factors. The causes of throat cancer usually include a combination of factors:

• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18
• Occupational hazards
• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx (laryngitis or pharyngitis)
• Genetic predisposition

Stages of throat cancer

Stages of laryngeal cancer are classified according to the international TNM system, where T indicates the size of the primary tumor, N indicates lymph node involvement, and M indicates the presence of distant metastases.

Early stages (I and II). The tumor is small, does not spread beyond the organ, and does not affect the lymph nodes. Throat carcinoma at this stage is highly treatable. It is in the early stages that radiation therapy or minimally invasive surgery give the best results. The five-year survival rate for stage I is 90% or higher.

Locally advanced disease (stage III). The tumor has grown in size, may have spread to neighboring structures, or regional lymph nodes may be affected. The prognosis is less optimistic, but there is still a chance for a full recovery.

Metastatic involvement (stage IV) occurs when metastases in the throat have spread to distant organs - the lungs, liver, bones.

Treatment is palliative, i.e., aimed at prolonging life and improving its quality, rather than at complete recovery. However, modern methods of immunotherapy and targeted therapy allow some patients to achieve

How does throat cancer manifest itself?

How throat cancer begins - in the early stages, the disease can be almost asymptomatic or masked by other, less serious conditions. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness. The voice becomes hoarse, quiet, and may disappear completely. The first signs of throat cancer often manifest themselves through changes in the tone and strength of the voice that do not go away within two to three weeks.
• Pain or discomfort when swallowing. A growth in the throat can interfere with the normal passage of food, causing a feeling of a “lump” or pressure.
• A persistent cough that does not respond to treatment and lasts for several weeks. It may be dry or with a small amount of phlegm, sometimes mixed with blood.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. They become firm, painless, and do not shrink after treatment with antibiotics.
• Weight loss for no apparent reason, constant fatigue, and weakness.

When should you see a doctor?

What signs of throat cancer should prompt immediate medical attention? Any combination of the above symptoms that lasts longer than three weeks, or the appearance of blood in saliva or sputum.

If hoarseness or sore throat does not go away within two to three weeks, this is a reason to see a doctor.

The appearance of blood in saliva, sputum, or when brushing your teeth should not be ignored. Even if the bleeding is minor, it may indicate damage to the mucous membrane by a tumor.

Difficulty swallowing or the feeling that food is “stuck” in the throat requires mandatory consultation. A tumor in the throat can narrow the lumen of the pharynx or esophagus, leading to problems with eating.

Painless enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck that does not go away after a course of antibiotics may be a sign of metastatic disease. In this case, consultation with not only an ENT doctor but also an oncologist is necessary.

Also, pay attention to voice changes that occur for no apparent reason and progress over time. It is impossible to diagnose throat cancer yourself at home. But if you notice any suspicious signs, seek help.

It is important to understand that all of these symptoms can be signs of other, less serious diseases. But only a doctor can perform the necessary tests and make an accurate diagnosis. It is better to be safe and see a specialist sooner rather than later.

How throat cancer is diagnosed: modern examination methods

In the case of throat cancer, diagnosis allows not only to confirm the presence of a tumor, but also to determine its exact location, size, and extent of spread.

The examination begins with a visit to an ENT doctor or oncologist. The specialist conducts a physical examination, palpates the lymph nodes in the neck, and assesses the condition of the voice and swallowing. They examine the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx to detect visible changes in the mucous membrane.

To make a reliable diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a set of tests and procedures.

• Endoscopy is a method of examining the pharynx and larynx using a flexible tube with a camera at the end. During the procedure, the doctor examines all parts of the upper respiratory tract. Endoscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia and does not cause significant discomfort.
• A biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample for histological examination. Analysis of the cells under a microscope allows you to accurately determine whether the tumor is malignant and identify its type.
• CT scan of the throat (computed tomography) helps to assess the size of the tumor, its spread to surrounding structures, and the condition of the lymph nodes.
• MRI of the throat (magnetic resonance imaging) is useful for evaluating tumors located close to large vessels or nerves. MRI also helps to detect metastases in the lymph nodes.

Additional tests may include PET-CT (positron emission tomography), which detects distant metastases, chest X-rays, ultrasound of the lymph nodes, and laboratory blood tests to assess the general condition of the body.

What should you not do if you are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer?

A diagnosis of laryngeal cancer often comes as a shock to the patient, and at this point it is important not to panic and not to take actions that could worsen the situation.

• Do not delay treatment.
• Do not ignore your doctor's recommendations regarding lifestyle.
• Do not hide information about your health, concomitant diseases, or medications you are taking from your doctor.
• Do not keep silent about the side effects of treatment. If you experience severe pain, nausea, weakness, or other symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

How is throat cancer treated?

Modern oncology offers several basic methods of treating throat cancer, which can be used separately or in combination.

• Surgical treatment: removal of the tumor along with part of the surrounding tissue.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
• Combined methods. For example, after surgical removal of a tumor, a course of radiation or chemoradiation therapy may be necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy - act on specific molecules in cancer cells or activate the body's immune system to fight the tumor. These methods are particularly promising for the treatment of metastatic cancer or recurrence.

There is no need to think about how to cure throat cancer on your own. The Oncare Medical Center offers modern approaches to the treatment of respiratory cancers. We use international protocols and the latest equipment in our work.

Rehabilitation after throat tumor treatment

Throat tumors and their treatment often affect important bodily functions such as speech, swallowing, and breathing. Therefore, rehabilitation is an integral part of the recovery process. During rehabilitation, the following measures are taken:

• Voice restoration after laryngeal surgery
• Swallowing function restoration
• Physical rehabilitation - exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle.
• Psychological support
• Regular check-ups after completion of treatment.

Prevention of laryngeal cancer

To reduce the likelihood of developing this pathology, the following preventive measures are recommended:

• Quitting smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Vaccination against HPV
• Use respirators and follow safety procedures at work
• Timely treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the throat and larynx
• Healthy lifestyle
• Balanced diet with sufficient amounts of vegetables and fruits
• Regular physical activity.

Conclusion

Modern medicine has made significant progress in the treatment of head and neck cancers. The key to success is early diagnosis and timely referral to specialists. Even if the diagnosis is made at a late stage, there are treatments that can prolong life and improve its quality.

Laryngeal cancer is not a death sentence. Many patients return to a full life after successful treatment. The main thing is not to ignore alarming symptoms, to see a doctor in a timely manner, and to follow recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation.