Throat Cancer is a condition where cancer forms in the throat and affects the vocal cords. There are many symptoms of Throat Cancer that include difficulty talking, hoarseness, pain, and coughing. When you have a sore throat or feel as if you need to clear your throat, there may be something else going on that requires medical attention. How does throat cancer affect you? If you’re reading this, you probably already know that your mouth is not a place to be. Your throat is a delicate and vulnerable area of your body, and it’s even more important to keep it clean and well-groomed. While we often think of mouth cancer as something that affects men, women are also at risk. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with mouth cancer. So, don’t let anyone tell you that oral hygiene isn’t necessary to you.
Here’s a look at some of the things that may happen when you have mouth cancer and how to stay healthy. You might have heard about throat cancer, and if you have, you may have been thinking: “Oh no! This must be awful. I hope it doesn’t affect me. I don’t want to die from cancer.” So, what can you do to prevent this from happening to you? Or if you have had throat cancer and are now wondering whether it could happen to you again, or even if you know someone who has, you have come to the right place.
What is throat cancer?
Throat cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the throat and tongue. While it may be common to associate the word “cancer” with death, it’s a disease that has a cure. While throat cancer is not as common as other types of cancer, it is the most deadly form of cancer that affects the throat. It is also one of the most difficult to detect.
Types of throat cancer
There are several types of throat cancer, and they come in two forms: squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of throat cancer, and it usually occurs on the surface of your tongue, inside your cheeks, or on your tonsils.
It is also called epidermoid carcinoma, and it’s a type of skin cancer that starts in the top layer of your skin and spreads downwards.
Lymphoma is a different type of cancer. It is usually a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is found throughout your body and is responsible for sending signals to other parts of the body. Lymphoma is often categorized into non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Causes of throat cancer
Throat cancer is a rare disease. However, it can be caused by several factors. These include:
• Genetics
• Chronic infections
• Heavy smoking
• Alcohol consumption
While there is no way to prevent this type of cancer, you can reduce your chances of contracting it by making sure you brush and floss regularly.
Symptoms of throat cancer
When you visit your doctor for a regular checkup, they will look at your tongue, tonsils, and other areas of your mouth. However, if your doctor detects any abnormalities, you should see a specialist. Here are the symptoms of throat cancer:
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lumps in your neck
• Pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Get to a medical professional right away.
Treatments for throat cancer
Unfortunately, the treatments for throat cancer aren’t nearly as effective as the ones for other types of cancer. But there are still some things you can do to minimize your chances of getting throat cancer. You’ll need to speak with your doctor or a professional who specializes in treating throat cancer. There are a number of different treatment options available. One of the most common treatments for throat cancer is radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to destroy cancerous cells. While this may be effective, it can also cause permanent damage to nearby healthy tissue, so it’s not recommended for everyone. A more recent treatment option is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. However, this type of treatment can cause side effects, including hair loss, skin rashes, and fatigue.
Risk factors for developing throat cancer
If you’re wondering if you could be at risk for developing throat cancer, then you probably already know what it looks like. But, if you don’t, it’s a red, warty, fleshy growth that starts on the front part of your tongue, moves to your tonsils, and ends on your hard palate. Throat cancer can be treated, but only if it’s caught early. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your symptoms and go to a doctor immediately if you start feeling anything unusual. As you might expect, risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition. You can also be at risk if you have an infection on your tonsils, such as a cold or tonsillitis.
Frequently asked questions about throat cancer
Q: How long were you diagnosed with throat cancer?
A: It has been almost three years since my first cancer treatment.
Q: What was it like going through chemo?
A: I did not really know what chemo was. But I did find it difficult not being able to eat and drink as much. My voice would start to crack after every treatment. I had a voice coach to help me.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during this process?
A: I learned that I am stronger than I thought. This was a challenge and an experience that taught me a lot.
Q: Do you feel like you are better prepared for a possible second round of chemotherapy?
A: Yes. I have learned from my experience and have become more knowledgeable about the disease. I now know what to look out for and have the ability to deal with it. I feel ready.
Q: What advice can you give other people with cancer?
A: I would tell them to stay positive, believe in themselves and have faith.
Myths about throat cancer
1. Only old people get throat cancer.
2. People who have a sore on the inside of their throat are more likely to get throat cancer.
3. People who swallow hard candy can get throat cancer.
4. A sore on the inside of your throat means you’re sick and will die soon.
5. People who smoke can get throat cancer.
6. People who eat spicy food get throat cancer.
Conclusion
It may seem like the last thing you’d worry about would be your health. But throat cancer isn’t as rare as you might think. In fact, it’s one of the most common cancers affecting men in the U.S., and you’re probably at risk. That said, you can’t ignore the symptoms. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any signs of trouble.
