What Was Your First Sign of Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the throat grow uncontrollably and spread throughout the body, often to other parts. Different types of throat cancer affect different areas, with symptoms depending on where it first started. Most often it causes changes to voice quality as well as difficulty eating or swallowing food.
Early symptoms of throat cancer may be difficult to recognize, as many of their early indications can resemble more prevalent illnesses. It’s essential that any persistent issues be seen by a medical provider immediately; this will allow them to diagnose and treat the issue before it escalates further.
Squamous cell cancer refers to cancer that begins in either your pharynx (the tube running from your nose to your esophagus) or larynx (the area of throat which contains your vocal cords). Once present, this cancer may spread throughout your body including to lungs and bones.
Some individuals living with throat cancer develop a lump in their neck. While this could be caused by infection or cancer, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider just in case this could be something serious.
Other symptoms of throat cancer may include persistent sore throat or hoarseness, dry mouth, persistent coughing or trouble swallowing food or liquid. In more extreme cases, cancerous growths may obstruct airway passageways and make breathing difficult – all signs that should alert anyone that their airway has become blocked by cancerous growths.
People who smoke or consume alcohol regularly are at greater risk of throat cancer; however, not everyone who engages in these habits will develop it. Most commonly oropharyngeal cancer is seen in older people; larynx cancer or hypopharyngeal cancer may also occur as potential areas for development of this illness.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), five-year survival rates vary for people living with throat cancer depending on its type and location of origin. If your laryngeal cancer hasn’t spread beyond its original location, your chances are approximately 62% for another five years of survival.
As well as surgery, treatment options for throat cancer may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy – these therapies may be combined together or used separately.
Whenever you experience signs or symptoms that suggest throat cancer, make an appointment with your physician immediately. They will conduct tests to rule out more prevalent illnesses before providing recommendations regarding appropriate treatment plans and prevention measures. It is especially important to visit the doctor if there are risk factors involved like smoking and drinking frequently as this will help detect early cancer or prevent potential threats such as prevention through early detection or diagnosis. Despite treatment results, quality of life remains possible even after treatments; you just may need to adjust to changes in both body and lifestyle.