Throat Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection

04-Jan-2022

Throat cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in men and ninth in women. It can develop within the mouth or throat, on any part of the face, lips, tongue, gums or even inside the ears. throat cancer can be caused by a number of factors including smoking, alcohol use and HPV. Early detection is key to successful treatment for throat cancer.

The Indian Cancer Society recommends a yearly head and neck examination by a dentist or doctor to screen for throat cancer. They also recommend an overall health exam every year which includes questions about tobacco use. In order to have optimal outcomes from treatment it is extremely important that you schedule your screening exams as recommended by your physician/dentist. This will allow for early detection which is key to successful treatment of throat cancer.

What is Throat Cancer ?

While many forms of cancer are frightening, throat cancer is particularly alarming because it can be difficult to spot in its early stages. In fact, a staggering 50% of the population diagnosed with throat cancer will die within five years. However, when detected and treated early on by a qualified physician, the prognosis is much more optimistic.

In order to maintain optimal oral health and prevent potentially life-threatening diseases from developing in your mouth, you should consult a dental professional for an examination once per year. When doing so, make sure to inform your dentist if you have been experiencing any symptoms such as pain or swelling in your mouth or facial area; changes in how things taste; persistent bad breath; loose teeth; chronic earaches, sinus congestion or nosebleeds. They may recommend that you undergo further testing to look for evidence of throat cancer.

What are the signs & symptoms of throat cancer?

There are no early warning signs for throat cancer so regular screenings are important to detect it. Symptoms include sores in the mouth that don't heal within 2 weeks, pain or numbness in face or jaw, difficulty chewing or swallowing foods, lumps in neck area, persistent earaches, sinus congestion or nosebleeds among others. If you notice any abnormalities go see a doctor right away!

Early Detection is the Key

Early detection is key when it comes to any form of cancer and the same holds true for throat cancer. When symptoms are identified early and treatment begins immediately, your chances of recovery and survival increase significantly. This is why it's so important to schedule an annual examination with a dental professional.

If you suspect that you might have symptoms related to this deadly disease, make sure to contact your doctor/dentist without delay. The sooner your diagnosis can be identified, the higher likelihood there will be for a positive prognosis and successful treatment. Unfortunately, a staggering 50% of throat cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages which means they have already progressed to the point where surgical removal is no longer possible.

In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy might be needed instead to slow down or stop the progression of the disease. With that being said, it's important not to delay if you have any reason to believe that something could be wrong with your mouth or throat as this may turn out to be a matter of life and death!

How to cure throat cancer?

Throat cancer can be cured through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is used for smaller tumors with most cases of throat cancer involving the tongue, floor of mouth or gum tissues. After treatment you will have regular checkups for several years to monitor your recovery.

Ascent ENT Hospital in Calicut has the best throat cancer specialist who helps to cure throat cancer with the newest technology and medicines. So do not delay, go see a doctor as soon as possible.