Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society

Throat Cancer

Compiled by Marcia Miranda

Tobacco smoking increases the risk for the development of throat cancer. This risk becomes even higher, when smoking is combined with high alcohol intake.

Symptoms

•    A sore throat and hoarseness, which has lasted for more than two weeks
•    Pain or a lump in the neck area
•    Difficulty when swallowing
•    A cough, sometimes with blood
•    Abnormal breathing (high pitched sounds /wheezing)
•    Unexplained weight loss

If you have developed any of these symptoms, you need to be examined immediately by a physician, preferably an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Diagnosis

Following detailed direct examination of the throat and neck, the physician would perform a procedure known as an endoscopy, whereby a tube with a lighted lens at the end, is inserted into the throat via the nostril. This is to examine the throat area for any abnormalities. Should the examination reveal the presence of a tumour, a biopsy of the tissue (in the tumour), can be done to check for malignancy. A follow up CT scan or MRI may also be suggested to check for any spread to lymph nodes.

There are several specific cancers in the throat area, but generally, treatment remains the same.

Treatment

As in all cancers, treatment is aimed at killing the cancerous cells and preventing spread to other parts of the body. Depending on location and size of the tumour and if there has been spread, the oncologist will design a programme of treatment specifically for the stage of the cancer.

Once again, like ALL cancers, the earlier diagnosed, the easier and more effective and successful the treatment. If there is early detection the prognosis for recovery from throat cancer is good (about 90%). The preferred treatment is surgery in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue, the prognosis for recovery falls to 50-60%.

Unfortunately, if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body outside of the head and neck, the prognosis for recovery is not good and treatment is then aimed at prolonging the quality of the person’s life.

Following surgery patients generally need speech therapy and attention related to difficulty in swallowing. A small percentage of patients are unable to swallow and will need the insertion of a feeding tube. After treatment frequent and careful follow up visits to the doctor are important, because of the risk of a recurrence of the cancer or the development of any new cancer.