Throat Cancer Treatment in Indore

Overview of Throat Cancer in Detail

Throat cancer is a general term for malignant tumours that develop in the throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), or tonsils. It is a type of head and neck cancer and can affect the ability to speak, swallow, and breathe. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preserving quality of life.

Throat Cancers: Types

Throat cancer is categorised depending on which part of the throat it strikes:

Pharyngeal cancer: affects the pharynx, the tube connecting the mouth and nose to the oesophagus

Nasopharyngeal cancer: upper part of the pharynx

Oropharyngeal cancer- middle part, including tonsils and base of tongue

Hypopharyngeal cancer-low part, near the larynx

Laryngeal cancer: affects the voice box (larynx), often causing voice changes

Other rare types include: Sarcomas and lymphomas of the throat

Risk Factors

Throat cancer is the result of many factors:

Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco

Alcohol use: binge-drinking and long-term heavy drinking

Human Papillomavirus infection: especially HPV-16

Poor oral hygiene

exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants

Above 50 years, more common in males

Family medical history of head and neck cancers

Hallmark Symptoms

Early-stage throat cancer may not produce noticeable symptoms. Advanced stages may present with:

Sore throat or irritation that persists

Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing

Hoarseness or voice changes

Lump in the neck or throat

Chronic cough or bloody sputum

Ear pain

Unexplained weight loss

Difficulty breathing, in extreme cases

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis needs several tests:

Physical examination: The patient's throat, mouth, and neck are examined.

Endoscopy: a visual examination of the pharynx and larynx

Biopsy: tissue sample confirms the type and grade of cancer

Imaging tests: CT scan, MRI, and PET scan to assess tumour size and spread

HPV testing: identifies HPV-positive cancers, which can affect prognosis

Choice of Treatment

Treatment depends on tumour location, stage, size, and patient health. Multidisciplinary approaches are often used.

1. Surgery

Removes the tumour and occasionally nearby lymph nodes

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): less invasive treatment for some tumours

Reconstruction may also be necessary both functionally and cosmetically.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays target the cancer cells

Can be used alone for early-stage cancers or combined with chemotherapy

Advanced techniques, like IMRT, allow for more focused targeting.

3. Chemotherapy

Kills tumour cells by using anti-cancer drugs

Often combined with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced tumours

Can be administered before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to target remaining cancer

4. Targeted Therapy

Focuses on specific molecules participating in cancer growth

Example: Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, may be used in conjunction with radiation.

5. Immunotherapy

It stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.

It is utilised in recurrent or metastatic throat cancers.

6. Supportive and Palliative Care

Nutritional support for swallowing difficulties

Speech and swallowing therapy

Pain management, counselling, and rehabilitation

Improves quality of life while undergoing treatment

B. Prognosis

Early-stage throat cancer is highly treatable and curable if early treatment is sought.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers generally have better outcomes than HPV-negative cases.

Aggressive multimodal therapy is required for advanced or metastatic throat cancer.

Why Specialised Cancer Centres should be chosen.

The multidisciplinary teams include ENT surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, and rehabilitation experts.

Advanced imaging, robotic surgery, and precision radiation therapy

Personalised treatment plans based on tumour location, stage, and patient health

Access to clinical trials, targeted, and immunotherapies

Overview: Preventive Measures & Awareness

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption

HPV vaccination to reduce the risk of throat cancers related to HPV

Maintain proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Seek early evaluation for persistent throat symptoms