What Is Throat Cancer?

What is Throat Cancer Singapore?

Throat cancer often develops from squamous cells on the mucosal surfaces of the larynx, pharynx, or mouth. Smoking cigarettes and drinking large quantities of alcohol can increase a person’s risk of developing throat cancer.

Head and neck cancers account for about 5 percent of cancers in the United States. Throat cancer usually develops around age 50 and men are 10 times more likely to develop them than women.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

The symptoms of Throat cancer are often confused with less serious conditions. Listed below are some common symptoms you may notice:

Hoarseness or other unusual changes in the voice

A lump on the lip, in the mouth or in the throat

A sore on the lip or inside the mouth that does not heal for weeks

A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or the lining in the mouth

Unexplained pain, bleeding or numbness inside the mouth

A sore throat that persists even with antibiotics

Experiencing pain or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

Pain or swelling of the jaw

A persistent cough

Cough up blood

Pain or swelling of the neck

A continual earache

Unintentional weight loss

Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds

Treatment option for Throat Cancer

Surgery: Before having throat in Singapore cancer surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure with you in detail and discuss any possible side effects. If the tumor is small and localized, surgery will often successfully remove the tumor with few side effects.

However, if the tumor is advanced and has spread to surrounding areas, surgery will be more extensive and may involve the removal of parts of your throat, mouth, jaw, or voice box. In these cases, your ability to speak, chew, swallow, and breathe may be affected. Reconstructive surgery can help restore your appearance and rehabilitate speech and swallowing function.

Prosthetic devices in your mouth may replace removed portions of your teeth, gums, and jaw. In more advanced cases, you may need to use tubes for feeding and breathing and an artificial voice aid for speaking. You will also work with a speech-language pathologist to assist you with problems related to speaking and swallowing. In addition, you may work with a dietitian who will help you develop a nutritional plan that includes healthy foods that are easy to swallow and chew.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can be used for small tumors as primary treatment. It is also administered following surgery or in combination with chemotherapy for advanced tumors.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Researchers are looking for effective drugs or drug combinations to treat Throat cancer. They are also exploring ways to combine chemotherapy with other forms of cancer treatment to help destroy the tumor and prevent the disease from spreading. For advanced tumors, chemotherapy is often given in combination with radiation therapy, typically in the setting of a therapeutic clinical trial.

Recovery post Throat Cancer Surgery

After your Throat  cancer surgery is completed, you will have regular check-ups. These are very important for your doctor and dentist to monitor your progress. If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms in between these times, you should let your GP or specialist know as soon as possible.

The check-ups will often continue for several years, frequently at first, then less so. This can make it difficult to put the experience of cancer behind you. It is important to have a nutritious and well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, even if your appetite and interest in food have been reduced following your cancer. Your dietitian will be able to advise you on ways to eat well and can help with any problems you may have.