Throat Cancer

Q. What is throat cancer?

Ans. Throat cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in your throat. The throat also known as pharynx is a 5-inch long tube that runs from the nose to the neck. Throat cancer includes cancer of the Nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose), cancer of Oropharynx (the middle part of the throat), cancer of Hypopharynx (the bottom part of the throat) and larynx (voice box).

Q. Who is at risk of getting throat cancer?

Ans. The risk of developing throat cancer increases with age, most common over the age of 65. Few of the main factors that increase the likelihood of developing throat cancers are tobacco and alcohol use and lack of antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) in the diet. Other conditions responsible are Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, contracting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Gastroeso-phageal reflux disease (when acids leak from the stomach into the oesophagus, it causes acid reflux.

Q. Does diet affect the risk of getting throat cancer?

Ans. It has been found that intake of alcohol, tobacco and lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet can cause throat cancer.

Q. What are the causes of throat cancer?

Throat cancer occurs when cells in your throats undergoes genetic mutation. This will result in uncontrollable growth of cells which continues to live while healthy cells would normally die. The proper reason for mutation is unknown but various factors that may increase the risk have been identified (refer to question number two for details).

Q. Does throat cancer run in the family?

There has been not many evident found about the hereditary linkage of throat cancer. So having this type of cancer in your family will not increase the risk of you getting the cancer.

Q. What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

There are no specific symptoms of throat cancer. The occurrence of few symptoms cannot indicate throat cancer. But occurrence of these symptoms constantly can indicate the presence of cancer. These include:

• Rough quality of voice (hoarseness)
• Throat pain, difficulty in swallowing
• Bad breath
• Coughing with bloody sputum
• Difficulty in breathing
• Throat discomfort (lump formation in the throat)
• Ear and neck pain
• Sudden weight loss

Q. How is throat cancer diagnosed?

One or more of the following tests may be done;

• Endoscope or laryngoscope are used to get a close look of the throat If abnormalities are found during endoscopy then Biopsy (removal of a part of tissue) is done
• Imaging tests like CT (computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)and X-rays are done which helps doctor find out the spread of the cancer.
• Also tests like Barium swallow and Laryngeal videotroboscopy are done

Q. How is throat cancer treated?

If the tumor is small it is removed by surgery or by Immunotherapy* and if the tumor is large and has spread to the other parts then Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or Immunotherapy can be done. Immunotherapy*: It is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body�s immune system to fight cancer. At Cancer Healer Center, throat cancer is treated by using Cancer Healer, a cancer therapy which treats the disease without any side effects. This treatment can also be used in conjunction with Chemo or radiation therapy.

Q. How effective is the Immunotherapy treatment?

The treatment is effective in all the four stages but as early the cancer is diagnosed more effective the treatment is.