8 Important Facts You Should Know About Throat Cancer

Cancers are lumps or masses of
abnormal cells that are capable of
uncontrolled proliferation. Throat
cancer has been loosely used to refer
to cancers which affect any part of the
throat extending from behind the nose
down to the oesophagus. These
include the nasopharynx, oropharynx,
hypopharynx and sometimes the
larynx otherwise known as the voice
box.
In view of the aforementioned, throat
cancer can also mean any of the
following depending on which part of
the throat is involved:
hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal
cancer, laryngopharyngeal cancer,
nasopharyngeal cancer,
oropharyngeal cancer and pharyngeal
cancer.
Furthermore, in the majority of cases,
these cancers usually arise from the
squamous epithelial lining of the
moist mucosal surfaces inside the
throat. Discussed below are some
critical facts you need to know about
cancers of the throat:
1. Oral sex can lead to HPV-related
cancers
Several studies have established a link
between oral sex and increased
incidence of Human Papilloma Virus -
associated cancers of the throat
especially oropharyngeal and
laryngeal cancers. A virulent strain of
the virus known as HPV 16 has been
implicated in this. Apart from HPV 18,
the same strain (HPV 16) is equally
involved in the aetiology of cervical
cancer among women. The implication
of these facts is that individuals who
indulge in oral sex are more likely to
develop these cancers.
2. Smoking and excess alcohol increase
the risk of throat cancers
Research has shown that tobacco
smoking and excessive consumption of
alcohol are the most important risk
factors for throat cancers, accounting
for up to 75% of all cases. This is
especially true when the two factors
are combined. Consequently,
individuals who smoke and drink
heavily are 5 - 25 times more likely to
suffer from cancers of the throat
compared to others. More still,
another staggering fact is that for up
to 20 years after cessation of smoking,
the person's risk of throat cancer is
still significantly raised.
3. Preserved foods may predispose to
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Preserved foods such as salted fish,
especially when consumed during
childhood may increase the risk of
developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma
later in life. This is probably due to
the presence of carcinogenic (cancer-
causing) nitrosamines found in these
food products. Conversely, fresh and
raw vegetables may be protective
against nasopharyngeal cancers.
4. Exposure to certain substances at your
workplace may increase your risk of
throat cancers
It has been shown that occupational
exposure to substances like asbestos,
paint and diesel can lead to cancers of
the larynx while prolonged wood dust
exposure can cause nasopharyngeal
cancer.
5. A number of treatment options exist
for treatment of throat cancers
Several factors including stage of
cancer, exact location of tumour as
well as patient's age and health status
come to play in determining the
appropriate modality of treatment for
throat cancers. However, some
available options include surgery for
the removal or excision of the tumour,
radiation therapy, targeted therapy,
chemotherapy or a combination of
these towards ensuring the best
possible outcome in patients.
6. Throat Cancers may recur even after
successful treatment
It's important to note that people who
have undergone successful treatment
for throat cancers may suffer a second
primary cancer especially those who
continue to smoke or drink alcohol. To
this extent, smokers and heavy
drinkers who have undergone
successful treatment for these
conditions are usually counselled to
quit these bad habits in their own
interest.
7. Symptoms and Signs of Throat Cancers
usually depend on the areas affected
Patients suffering from
nasopharyngeal cancer may present
with bilateral swollen lymph nodes in
the neck. In addition, they may also
experience nasal symptoms like nasal
discharge/congestion and bleeding
from the nose (epistaxis).
Furthermore, patients may complain
of ear symptoms like discharge,
tinnitus or deafness if the cancer
blocks the eustachian tube or extends
directly into the ears. Individuals with
laryngeal cancers are more likely to
complain of difficult breathing
(dyspnoea) or swallowing (dysphagia).
Also, they often experience voice
changes (hoarseness) when the cancer
invades the vocal cords. Halitosis (bad
breath), ear pain and neck mass are
some other symptoms such patients
may have.
8. Males are more likely to experience
cancers of the throat than females
Epidemiological studies among several
populations have shown that males
are two to three times more likely
than females to suffer from throat
cancers. In the same vein, the risk of
developing any of these cancers is
significantly increased after the age of
50 years.