The development of throat cancer takes place in the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box). It is one of the complex cancers because sometimes its symptoms are difficult to identify.
For example, you may experience a persistent cough for a week and recover. If the condition lasts for more than two weeks, you must consult a general doctor or an oncologist in Dubai.
What are the causes of throat cancer?
Smoking is one of the major causes of throat cancer. In simple terms, the disease occurs due to genetic mutation in the throat. Cancer cells replace the healthy cells due to these mutations and grow. In addition, these cells form a tumour in the throat. Researchers still don't know about the mutation.
Here are some of the risk factors of the disease:
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HPV
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Excessive tobacco usage
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease
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Immunodeficiencies
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Dietary exposures
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Epstein-Barr virus
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Occupational exposure
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Diet
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Radiation
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Betel nut chewing
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Mouthwash
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Genetic predisposition
Facts to remember!
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Men are more vulnerable than women to throat cancer
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Most people are diagnosed with the disease after 65 years of age
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Men of African American race are at bigger risk
Some of the common symptoms are:
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Sore throat
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Cough that doesn’t go away easily
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Hoarseness
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Breathing problem
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Swallowing problem
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Neck and ear pain
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Weight loss
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Headache
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Lump in the neck
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Bloody sputum
If you notice any new signs and symptoms that are persistent, consult doctors at Aster Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Dubai.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis depend on the type of symptoms. The doctor will review the medical history of the person. It’s better to inform the doctor if you are a smoker or a drinker. Diagnosis are generally through a physical examination. If the doctor finds any signs of cancer, they may refer to an ENT specialist.
Some of the common diagnose methods are:
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Biopsy
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Imagining test such as MRI or CT scan, PET scan, and X-rays
The ENT specialist may use laryngoscopy for diagnoses. A thin, fiber-optic scope is inserted into the throat to check the larynx and vocal cords.
If any suspicious tissue is found during the diagnosis then a biopsy is used to determine the presence of cancer cells in the samples.
Furthermore, doctors will further use a process called staging if the cancer is confirmed. This treatment is used to determine cancer’s stage. Treatments are suggested based on the report.
What are treatments used to treat throat cancer?
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Radiation
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Chemotherapy
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Surgery
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Targeted therapy drugs
Different types of throat cancer:
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Nasopharyngeal cancer
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Oropharyngeal cancer
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Glottic cancer
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Supraglottic cancer
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Subglottic cancer
How can you prevent throat cancer?
If you smoke, then quit it or don’t start it. It is reported that long-term smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing throat cancer than non-smokers. You can also consult a doctor for tobacco usage.
Avoid alcohol consumption as people who drink are at higher risk of experiencing throat cancer. Most importantly, you should eat Fresh fruits and vegetables full of vitamins and antioxidants to reduce the risk of getting the disease.