We may have heard of this body part as less often unlike the others, but our throat plays an important role in our daily lives. The human throat is an organ that helps us swallow, speak and breathe. So imagine how your body reacts once it gets affected by cancer.
Apparently, a rising number of throat cancer cases exist up to this very day. About half of these scenarios start in the throat itself and end behind you neck and nose. Doctors preferred to call these affected areas as the larynx and pharynx. Similar with other cancer types, throat cancer grows quickly. That is why you need immediate or early treatment to combat the cancer. Throat cancer comes with different warning signs and symptoms.
Some indicators involve hoarseness or cracking of voice, difficulty to swallow or breathe, cough and prolonged sore throat. Throat cancer may also involve earache, headache, neck lump and a sudden weight loss experience.
If you experience most of these symptoms, perhaps you need your doctor’s attention. Your doctor can give the necessary treatments and can even tell how you lead yourself towards throat cancer. According to research, heavy smokers and drinkers most likely get throat cancer experience. This explains why doctors ask you of your drinking and smoking habits upon getting a diagnosis. Your doctor will assess your general health and sexual history, too.
Fortunately, countless treatments against throat cancer are accessible now. The purpose of the treatment is to remove the tumor, keep the cancer cells from spreading, and protect your capability to breathe, swallow and speak.
Among the several treatment options you can choose are:
Radiation is the need to use high-energy rays in order to fight and get rid of cancer cells. Your doctor may deliver the treatment in two ways: outside the body (through a machine) and inside the body (through the radioactive seeds). Radiation is advisable for early stages of throat cancer.
Surgery can be less invasive or invasive, depending on the severity or depth of the cancer. Doctors make use of incisions with a scalpel. An endoscope or a laser is also used to help your physician go through your mouth or throat. However, this may effect only on very early cancer stages. Advanced throat cancer may require your emergency oral surgeon to remove your larynx and pharynx. Evidently, this affects your ability to speak, swallow and breathe.
Throat cancer is best prevented if you start off with taking care of yourself. Avoid any bad oral habits, such as drinking and smoking. Also, consider seeing your personal healthcare specialist once in a while. Never miss an appointment.