Cancer is a disease or group of diseases caused by abnormal growth of cells and spread to other parts of the body. Throat cancer is type cancer that develops in the voice box (throat), vocal cord, and any other section of the throat. Throat has two parts:
Pharynx, that is a hollow tube just behind the nose to the windpipe and larynx is the voice box. The throat is a muscular tube that starts from the back of the nose and goes to the neck. Mostly throat cancer is seen in the inside line of the throat that contains flat cells.
Types of throat cancer
There are different types of throat cancer which anyway involve the same types of cells but are categorized based on part of the throat from where the disease originated.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer- That starts in nasopharynx which is the upper part of the throat on the behind of the nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer- That starts in oropharynx which is the middle part of the throat that includes tonsils just past the mouth.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer- That starts in hypopharynx in the bottom part of the throat, near windpipe and esophagus.
- Supraglottic cancer- That originated in the upper side of the voice box, which damages the epiglottis results in blocking of food in the windpipe.
- Subglottic cancer- Originated in the lower part of the voice box.
- Glottic cancer- Originated in the vocal cord.
Early warning signs of throat cancer
- Continuous cough
- Change in voice
- Swallowing
- Weight loss
- The sore throat that doesn’t heal
- Pain in ear
- Need to clear throat constantly
- Wheezing
If you have any of the above-stated symptoms you need to go to a doctor, many throat cancer doctors are available who will help you to investigate its cause. Throat specialist in Delhi is very experienced and highly recommended for throat related issues.
Risk factors and causes of throat cancer
Certain daily habits increase the risk of throat cancer such as –
- Smoking tobacco
- Poor nutrition
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor dental hygiene
- Genetic problems
- Asbestos exposure.
Prevention measures for throat cancer
Although there is no way to prevent throat cancer from occurring but can reduce the risk factors:
- Take a healthy diet full of nutrition.
- Stop smoking or reduce smoking.
- Stop consuming alcohol.
- Maintain oral hygiene
But for better results consult with a throat specialist as soon as possible and know the exact cause of the disease and stop it from spreading or going to the higher stage. Many specialists are there who have years of experience and who can help you with throat-related issues. ENT surgeon in Delhi is very popular for treating throat cancer with a team of experienced professionals.