Throat Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Cancer occurs when the cells in a specific part of the body start growing rapidly. Over time, these cells can spread uncontrollably to other areas of the body. Throat cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer that affects the throat and neighbouring areas. It usually occurs due to genetic mutations. Several factors increase the risk of developing throat cancer. Therefore, it is important to know management and prevention methods.

This article covers what throat cancer is, its causes, risk factors, symptoms of throat cancer, management techniques, and how the diagnosis works.

What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer commonly occurs in a person’s throat (pharyngeal cancer) or voice box (laryngeal cancer). It can also start in the oesophagus or thyroid. It is a rarer form of cancer when compared to other types. When tumors develop, they tend to arise from the flat cells lining the throat, voice box, oesophagus, or thyroid.

What Causes Throat Cancer?

Genetic mutations in the throat can give rise to throat cancers. The mutations, or changes in the DNA, can cause the cancerous cells to grow rapidly and survive better than healthy cells. These cells can then form tumors in the throat, leading to throat cancer.

What are the Risk Factors of Throat Cancer?

The exact reason for the genetic mutation that causes throat cancer is unclear. However, there are various factors that are known to increase the risk of throat cancer, such as:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection
• Exposure to toxic substances such as carcinogens like asbestos and formaldehyde
• Poor diet
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Family history of cancer
• Chronic infections

For those searching for ‘How to Check for Throat Cancer at Home’, while throat cancer cannot be determined definitively at home, awareness of these factors can help people recognize if they might be at increased risk.

What are the Symptoms of Throat Cancer?

For both men and women, throat cancer symptoms are the same. Some common symptoms of throat cancer include:

• Sore throat for 2-3 weeks at a stretch
• Hoarseness or change in voice
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Earache without infection
• Swelling in the neck, throat, or back of the mouth
• Cough with blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• White or red patches inside the mouth or throat

While some of these symptoms also appear during a cold, if they persist for a long period and keep getting worse over time, one should consult a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis.

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of throat cancer can help manage the effects better. Throat cancer can be diagnosed through multiple methods, such as:

• Physical Exam: The doctor examines the mouth, throat, and neck to check for lumps and inquires about risk factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption.
• Endoscopy and Laryngoscopy: The throat and voice box are inspected with a thin, light scope. It is inserted inside the mouth to check for any abnormal growths in the throat.
• Biopsy: This refers to the suspicious tissue samples that are taken from the throat and examined in a lab to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
• Imaging Tests: Tests such as CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan, Ultrasound checks, and X-Rays can also help in diagnosing throat cancer.

What are the Management and Prevention Techniques of Throat Cancer?

To prevent throat cancers, individuals must take these measures:

• Quitting Smoking: Tobacco has been identified as a leading cause of throat cancer. Therefore, those who smoke should try quitting through nicotine replacement or counseling if needed.
• Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, as excessive use can increase the risk of throat cancer.
• Eating a Healthy Diet: Foods high in vitamins and antioxidants provide the body with proper nutrients. They also help reduce inflammation and protect the cells.
• Protection Against HPV: HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause throat cancer. By practicing safe sexual activities, the transmission can be prevented.

If one is experiencing symptoms of throat cancer, they should immediately consult a doctor and book a test on the Dr. Lal PathLabs app.

FAQs

1. How to check for throat cancer at home?

Throat cancer cannot be confirmed at home. However, being aware of symptoms and risk factors helps individuals seek timely medical evaluation.

2. Who is most at risk of developing throat cancer?

People who smoke, consume excessive alcohol, have HPV or EBV infections, have poor diets, or are exposed to carcinogens face higher throat cancer risks.

3. How does throat cancer usually start?

Throat cancer often starts with genetic mutations causing abnormal cell growth in the throat, voice box, or surrounding tissues, eventually forming tumors.

4. What are some warning signs of throat cancer?

Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, blood in cough, or swelling in the neck may indicate possible throat cancer.

5. How can one reduce the risk of throat cancer?

Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a nutritious diet, practicing safe sex to prevent HPV, and treating chronic conditions may help reduce throat cancer risk.

6. How I knew I had throat cancer?

An individual can understand whether they have throat cancer by keeping a lookout for persistent symptoms like sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, and neck swelling.