Causative & risk factors
The exact cause of throat cancer is not known, but certain factors have been identified that increase your risk of developing throat cancer. These include excessive use of tobacco or alcohol, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
Clinical presentation
The patient presents with hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, a chronic cough and pain in the ears. The patient complains of a sore throat and a non-healing lump in the throat. There may be bleeding from the mouth or nose. Unexplained weight loss may occur.
Investigations
An endoscopic examination of the throat is performed with a biopsy sample if necessary. Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scanning of the throat are performed. A PET scan is done if metastasis is suspected.
Treatment
Depending upon the patient profile and the spread of cancer, the treatment plan can include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery entails the excision of the affected portion of the throat along with the relevant lymph nodes.
