Throat Cancer Guide_ Diagnosis and Treatment

Throat Cancer Guide_ Diagnosis and Treatment

Throat Cancer Guide_ Diagnosis and Treatment-

Diagnosis

To diagnose throat cancer, your ENT doctor in Singapore may recommend Throat Cancer Guide-

1.Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and X-ray can assist your doctor find out the degree of your cancer beyond your throat’s surface.

2.Removing Tissue for Testing

Your doctor can gather a biopsy if abnormalities are found during laryngoscopy or endoscopy. The sample is then tested in a laboratory. A sample of a swollen lymph node can be taken through fine-needle aspiration.

3.Using a scope

An endoscope is used to look at your throat during endoscopy. Laryngoscope that uses a magnifying lens can also be inserted inside your throat to assist your doctor in analyzing your vocal cords. 

Once a diagnosis of throat cancer has been made, the next phase is to find out the extent of cancer. The stage of cancer is featured by Roman numerals I-IV; with stage I showing a small tumour and stage IV showing an advanced stage of cancer.

Treatment

Your treatment alternatives depend on factors such as your personal preferences, your general health, the type of cells involved, and the stage and location of your throat cancer.

Surgery

1.Surgery to eliminate cancerous neck dissection. It is done when throat cancer spreads deep within your neck.

2.Surgery to remove pharyngectomy. Small throat cancers may need removing only small portions of your throat and preserve your ability to eat.

3.Surgery to remove portions of the laryngectomy. Your doctor will remove part of your affected voice box and preserve your ability to breathe and speak normally.

4.Surgery for early throat cancer. It is done to cancer confined to the surface of the vocal cords or throat. Your doctor uses an endoscope to scrap off or cut out superficial cancers in your throat.

Surgery carries a risk of difficulty in swallowing, speaking, infection and bleeding.

Radiotherapy

This uses high-energy beams from protons and X-rays to give radiation to the cancer cells, killing them. It can be used as the only treatment for early-stage throat cancers. It can be integrated with surgery or chemotherapy for more advanced throat cancers. It can be used to minimize symptoms in very advanced throat cancers.

Targeted drug therapy

This treatment technique targets defects in cancer cells that cause the development of cells. Cetuximab, for example, is a drug used to treat throat cancer by stopping the action of proteins found in healthy cells but prevalent in throat cancer cells.

Rehabilitation after treatment

Throat cancer treatment usually leads to complications that may need you to work with professionals to retain your capability to talk, eat, and swallow. You doctor may have to get you help for supportive (palliative) care.

Palliative care focuses on giving relief from the pain of a severe illness. It can be used while undergoing treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. This helps cancer patients feel better.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to eliminate cancer cells.

Lifestyle and home remedies 

  1. Stop Taking Alcohol 

Alcohol can significantly increase the risk of throat cancer. Quitting alcohol can help reduce your risk of second cancer and help you put up with your throat cancer treatments.

  1. Stop Smoking

Throat cancers are linked to smoking. If you’re a throat cancer patient who’s still smoking, it is time to stop. This is because smoking raises your risk of acquiring another cancer; it makes it tricky for you to heal after treatment and makes treatment less effective. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but you can through counselling, nicotine replacement products, and medications.

Alternative Medicine

Some alternative and complementary treatments can help you cope with the side effects of throat cancer treatments. Coping and support, relaxation techniques, meditation, massage therapy, and acupuncture are some of the alternative treatment alternatives. 

You can follow these steps to help you cope with your throat cancer diagnosis:

  1. Learn more about throat cancer to make proper treatment choices.

Ii. Look for someone to talk with about your emotions and feelings.

Iii. Keep your body healthy during cancer treatment.

Iv. Attend all your follow-up appointments for examinations and treatments.

Getting ready for your appointment

If you have any signs or symptoms that makes you worried, you’ll need to make an appointment with your doctor. If your doctor diagnoses throat cancer, they may refer you to a specialist. Here’s some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor: Take a friend or family member along for support, write down a list of all medications you are taking, write down important personal information, write any symptoms you’re experiencing, know pre-appointment limitations, and finally prepare questions to ask your doctor.

Things to expect from your doctor 

Your doctor will ask you several questions. Being ready to give responses which may give you more time to cover points you need addressed.

What you can do in the meantime 

In the meantime, you need to stop using tobacco and things that can worsen your condition. If you experience throat pain, don’t take irritating foods and contemplate drinks that are nutritionally supplemented.