Throat Cancer

Description of throat cancer

Рак горла – заболевание, in which cancer cells grow in the throat. Горло – полая мышечная трубка, that goes from the nose and mouth, down the throat to the esophagus and trachea.

Cancer occurs, where body cells (in this case the throat tissue cells) randomly divided. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, when the body does not need new, excrescent (weight) of cloth, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread to other organs.

Causes of throat cancer

The cause of throat cancer is unknown.

Risk factors for throat cancer

Factors, which increase the risk of throat cancer:

• Age: 40 and older;
• Paul: male;
• Smoking or use of tobacco products (masticatory, snuff);
• Excessive alcohol consumption;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Vitamin A deficiency;
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables;
• Suppression of the immune system;
• Infection, caused by certain viruses:
  • Epstein-Barr virus;
  • Human Papilloma Virus;
• Radiation exposure;
• Excessive consumption of dried meat or fish;
• Smoking marijuana;
• Working with some of materials and production:
  • Cleaning nickel;
  • Working with wood;
  • Working with textile fibers.

Symptoms of throat cancer

These symptoms, except for throat cancer, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience any of them, consult a doctor.

• Sore throat;
• The feeling in the throat seal;
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing;
• Difficulty moving the jaw and tongue;
• Hoarseness or voice changes;
• Headache, throat or neck;
• Swelling in the neck;
• Unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis of throat cancer

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Вы можете быть направлены к отоларингологу – врачу, who specializes in diseases of the head and neck.

Tests may include:

• Ларингоскопия – горло изучается с помощью тонкой трубки, which is inserted into it through the mouth;
• Панэндоскопия – осмотр полости рта, nasopharynx, larynx, esophagus, trachea and the use of fiber optic devices;
• Тонкоигольная аспирационная биопсия – использование тонкой иглы для удаления образца ткани горла, to check for cancer cells;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the throat;
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – определение функциональной активности тканей; shows, how the disease has spread beyond the throat;
• CT scan (CT) – тип рентгена, which uses computer, to make pictures of the inside of the throat;
• Инцизионная биопсия – хирургическое удаление образца ткани горла, to check for cancer cells.

Treatment of throat cancer

After the discovery of throat cancer survey is conducted, allowing to determine the extent and scope of cancer. The treatment method depends on the stage of cancer.

Surgery for cancer of the throat

The surgery is performed to remove a cancerous tumor, certain tissues, and, perhaps, neighboring lymph nodes. In very rare cases, surgical removal of large tumors in the throat may also require removal of muscles, used for swallowing. As a result, food can fall into the trachea and lungs, что может вызвать пневмонию. Therefore, the surgeon may remove the larynx or vocal cords and trachea withdraw outwardly through the opening in the neck, to be used for breathing.

Radiation therapy for cancer of the throat

Radiation therapy uses radiation emissions, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be of the following types:

• Внешняя лучевая терапия – излучение направляется на опухоль из источников радиации за пределами тела;
• Внутренняя лучевая терапия – радиоактивные материалы размещаются в организме рядом с раковыми клетками.

Chemotherapy for cancer of the throat

Химиотерапия – использование лекарственных препаратов для уничтожения раковых клеток. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.

Combination Therapy

Often, чтобы вылечить рак гортани и глотки, Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used together. This method of treatment can be more effective, than surgery or radiotherapy alone.

Prevention of throat cancer

To reduce the risk of throat cancer, adhere to the following:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you smoke or use tobacco products, try to quit;
• Drink alcohol only in moderation;
• Stick to a healthy diet, Low in saturated fat and more cereals, fruits and vegetables;
• See your dentist regularly and a doctor for examination and early detection of cancer.