Throat cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells lining the throat as well as the voice box (larynx). However, in a majority of the cases, the cancer often spreads to the other parts of the mouth such as the esophagus, as well as the nasal pipe (nasopharynx). As a result of the cancer development, patients often experience extreme pain and discomfort while speaking and eating and breathing. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 24,000 cases of throat cancer are detected and diagnosed annually in the U.S., out of which close to 6,000 die of the cancer.
Cures for Throat Cancer
Like the majority of the other cancer forms, no treatment options are yet available to completely treat and cure the disease. Thus doctors try and control the proliferation and metastasis of the malignant cells by employing treatment forms such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The common surgical process involves removal of the affected part of the throat in order to restrict the growth of the cancer cells. Pharyngectomy (complete removal of the pharynx and larynx) is often performed in certain rare and severe cases where in the cancer spreads across the entire throat. After the surgery, doctors try to reconstruct an artificial throat in order to help the patients to swallow.
Patients with high threat of cancer redevelopment are frequently recommended radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery. Chemotherapy involves injecting anti-cancer drugs such as interleukin so as to destroy the cancerous cells and prevent their subsequent proliferation. While in radiotherapy, the affected part of the patients is exposed to high-energy rays (commonly X-rays) in order to damage the cancerous cells.
Five-Year Survival Rate
The typical five-year survival rate after the administration of the treatment forms mentioned above generally varies, depending on the stage at which the cancer was detected and diagnosed and on the proliferation of the cancerous cells inside the patient's body. However, the National Cancer Institute reports that the average five-year survival rate from 1999 to 2006 was approximately 63 percent.
Time Frame
The time frame for which the treatments are administered generally varies from patient to patient depending upon the metastasis of the cancerous cells. Commonly patients are administered with radiotherapy daily for about one to two months.Chemotherapy is performed periodically over four to five months.
Side Effects
Surgery often carries certain risks and side effects such as bleeding, infection and other possible complications, including problems with speech and swallowing, among others. Side effects associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy include loss of hair, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and diarrhea, among others,
Prevention/Solution
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the general preventive measures that one can take against throat cancer include avoiding exposure to chemicals and toxins, quitting smoking, avoiding alcoholic drinks or having them in moderation, among others.
Tags: cancerous cells, among others, affected part, cancer detected, cancer detected diagnosed
