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ABC Medical Center > Throat cancer

What is Throat cancer?

21:53 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

This condition is a consequence of cellular alterations in the throat, including the pharynx and larynx, where the affected cells develop and multiply disorderly, leading to the formation of tumors that are likely to spread to other parts of the body. There are several types of throat cancer depending on the location in which they originated:

  • Glottic: located on the vocal cords.
  • Supraglottic: affects the upper part of the larynx and the epiglottis.
  • Subglottic: appears in the lower part of the larynx.
  • Nasopharyngeal: begins in the area located at the level of the nose.
  • Oropharyngeal: refers to the anterior part of the oral cavity, including the tonsils.
  • Hypopharyngeal: occurs in the pharynx and larynx.

Signs and symptoms Throat cancer

  • Throat healing problems.
  • Sore throat.
  • Decreased body weight.
  • Frequent coughing fits.
  • Difficulty speaking clearly.
  • Strange timbral modulations in the voice.
  • Swallowing problems.
  • Sore ears

Go to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, remember that cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. Although the reason why throat cancer appears is unknown, several factors increase the risk of developing it, such as:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
  • Contact with toxic substances.
  • Smoking.
  • Alcoholism.
  • Certain viruses such as human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr.
  • Fiber and vegetable deficiency.

Diagnosis and treatment Throat cancer

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, he or she will perform a physical examination and request a series of tests to establish an accurate diagnosis, such as endoscopy, biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography (PET).

The treatment is established depending on how advanced the cancer is, its location, and your general health conditions, but in most cases, the following are used: 

  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy.
  • Surgery: 
    • To remove small, localized tumors that have not spread.
    • Laryngectomy.
    • Pharyngectomy.
    • To remove affected lymph nodes.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the level of the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for cancer patients.

We include the most innovative therapies in chemotherapy in facilities specially designed for your comfort and peace of mind. In radiotherapy procedures, we provide you with evidence-based treatment plans discussed with experts from Houston Methodist Hospital, using state-of-the-art technological equipment in state-of-the-art facilities.

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • cun.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Baraquiso PM, Solano HJA. Abordaje de un paciente adulto con una masa en cuello. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(03):1-13.
  • Martínez DL, Lorenzo RA, Llantá AMC. Bienestar psicológico en cuidadores de pacientes con enfermedad oncológica. Revista Cubana de Salud Pública. 2020;46(2):1-13.
  • Omar RZ, Delfino MY, Camejo CAB, et al. Hallazgo incidental de metástasis de carcinoma de tiroides en disección de cuello por carcinoma de laringe. Rev Cuba Endoc. 2020;31(1):.
  • Urbano VS, Tovío ME, Contreras GN. Cancer de cabeza y cuello asociado al Virus del papiloma humano. Presentación de caso. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2019;18(3):450-460.

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