The Symptoms of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer discussions tend to include cancers of nearby tissues and structures. Usually people include cancers of the larynx, pharynx, and the upper esophagus under the term “throat cancer.” And sometimes thyroid and oral cancers are also included. All of these structures are interconnected so a medical problem in one area could spread to a nearby area.
Throat Cancer is more common in men than women because men engage in lifestyles that raise the risk of this cancer. I am referring to lifestyles that include heavy drinking and tobacco use, including pipe smoke and chewing tobacco. The presence of the HPV (human papillomavirus) virus is also considered a risk factor. An additional risk factor is a diet with little or no fruits and vegetables. Men between the ages of 50 and 70 years are the largest category of throat cancer patients. The symptoms of throat cancer are the same in women as in men.
- A lump in the throat
- A cough
- A cough with blood
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Discomfort in the throat
- Ear or Neck pain
- Weight Loss
The Good News
Most symptoms of throat cancer are usually noticed by the patient at an early stage of the cancer. Anytime doctors can diagnose a cancer in its early stages is a definite advantage in the treatment. Standard cancer treatments are available and include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. All of these cancer treatments are very refined such as minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery and radiation that delivers precise doses of radiation to tumors. It should also be noted that the prognosis and survival rates for most throat cancer patients is good.