Throat cancer is a general term commonly referred to as cancer of the pharynx or larynx. Signs of throat cancer in women and men are practically the same. However, it is interesting that men and women are at different risk of developing throat cancer. It is known that throat cancer is diagnosed in women several times less often than in men. Nevertheless, no one is immune from the development of cancer, and every woman should know what symptoms signal the onset of an oncological process in the throat.
In this article, we will discuss the signs of cancer of the pharynx and larynx that a woman should pay attention to, and talk about modern methods of treating this disease.
Risk factors
Why does cancer of the pharynx and larynx develop? It is not easy to give an exact answer to this question. It is known that the pathogenesis of oncological diseases is based on the malignant degeneration of the body's own cells, which leads to the formation of a tumor and dysfunction of the affected organ. Rebirth means a change in the genetic status and characteristics of cell metabolism. Thus, tumor cells can divide an infinite number of times, they grow rapidly and cannot be destroyed by the immune system. But why does cell degeneration occur? There are several reasons for this:
- The action of carcinogens (substances that increase the risk of developing a tumor). Carcinogens include tobacco smoke, toxic gases, asbestos, and some foods.
- Mechanical damage. Factors that damage the cells of the upper respiratory tract include surgery, neck injuries, and the frequent use of alcohol and hot drinks.
- Genetic predisposition. People with some variants of oncogenes are more likely to develop cancer than others. If your relatives have experienced tumors of the pharynx or larynx, it is recommended to undergo a preventive examination by an otolaryngologist every six months.
- Viral factors. For example, some types of human papillomavirus are capable of provoking the development of cancer. Recent studies have shown that throat cancer in women can result from oral sex with a man infected with the papillomavirus. There is also evidence of a link between cancer of the pharynx and infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (this virus also causes infectious mononucleosis).
- Age factors. With age, the mechanisms for controlling cell division fail more and more, so the risk of developing throat cancer increases significantly after 55 years. At the same time, the older the person, the slower the tumor growth progresses (in old age, the cells divide much less frequently).
- Inadequate nutrition, in particular a lack of vitamin A. This vitamin is found in vegetable fats and many other foods.
Why are women less likely to suffer from throat cancer?
According to various estimates, from 80 to 95% of patients with throat cancer are men aged 40-60 years. The question arises - why do women encounter this dangerous disease so less often?
It is believed that lifestyle plays the greatest role in the development of oncological diseases of the pharynx and larynx. Indeed, most throat cancer patients are heavy smokers.
If, in addition to smoking, a person abuses alcohol, the risk of developing a tumor increases even more. These bad habits are more common in men than in women.
In addition, social differences play a significant role. Men are more often forced to work in conditions of smoke and dustiness of the air, inadequate ventilation (at construction sites, in mines, hazardous industries). Especially negatively on the condition of the pharynx and larynx is affected by the content of oil products, phenolic resins, phenols in the air.
The role of gender-related genetic factors is not excluded.
Can a woman diagnose throat cancer on her own?
It often happens that surgical treatment can be avoided precisely due to the fact that patients pay attention to the first symptoms of cancer of the larynx or pharynx in time and immediately consult a doctor. This is especially true for women - usually they are more attentive to their health, and more often consult with specialists.
The symptoms of throat cancer in women, as already mentioned, are no different from the clinical picture of cancer in men. Let's list these symptoms:
Voice change, hoarseness, or sudden loss of voice. It is observed if the tumor affects the vocal cords. Most often, this symptom indicates laryngitis, but if your voice has not recovered within 2 weeks, see your doctor.- Cough. First, it is a periodic coughing, then - a persistent obsessive cough. The phlegm usually does not come out (dry cough).
- Sore throat. At first, the pain is mild, and the person attributes it to a cold. Remember that viral diseases of the pharynx and larynx disappear within 5-7 days, bacterial - up to 14 days. Also, a mild sore throat can be associated with chronic pharyngitis / laryngitis.
- A feeling of a lump in the throat is a typical manifestation of cancer.
- Difficulty swallowing or trouble swallowing certain foods (hard, spicy, etc.).
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, pain on palpation.
- Weight loss. May be associated with problems swallowing, as well as loss of appetite.
- Shortness of breath, shortness of breath (more often observed in the later stages of tumor growth in the throat).
- Constant pain in the ear (or both ears).
- In the later stages - unpleasant taste in the mouth, impaired sense of smell and taste, bad breath, hemoptysis.
Voice change, hoarseness, or sudden loss of voice. It is observed if the tumor affects the vocal cords. Most often, this symptom indicates laryngitis, but if your voice has not recovered within 2 weeks, see your doctor.These symptoms do not always indicate cancer. They are usually caused by less dangerous causes - colds, chronic infections, cysts, fatigue, etc. However, if they bother you for a long time, consult your doctor.
How is throat cancer diagnosed?
Finding the above symptoms does not mean you have cancer. If a doctor considers throat cancer a possible diagnosis, he or she will refer the patient for further testing. To determine this disease, a whole range of diagnostic measures is required to accurately answer the question of whether there is a tumor in the throat, and whether it is malignant.
Since the treatment of oncological diseases is a difficult and expensive process, it is started only when there is no doubt about the correctness of the diagnosis.
First of all, the patient is referred for pharyngoscopy / laryngoscopy. This procedure examines the lining of the pharynx and larynx. As additional tests, computed tomography of the neck and head (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound examination (ultrasound) may be required. Because people with throat cancer have an increased risk of developing tumors in other organs of the head, neck, and chest, doctors may order additional tests for these areas.
The diagnosis of cancer of the larynx or cancer of the pharynx must be confirmed by histological examination.
To do this, the doctor takes a small piece of tumor tissue using a thin needle or scalpel. This procedure is called a biopsy.
Throat cancer treatment
Since the throat is an organ with many functions, the goal of treatment should be not only to save the patient's life, but also to preserve his quality of life. The doctor selects treatment tactics that will allow the patient to maintain the ability to speak, eat, and breathe normally.Unfortunately, it is not always possible to completely maintain normal speech or swallowing. All this depends on the stage of the oncological process, the patient's age and many individual factors.
The earlier treatment for throat cancer is started, the better the chances of a full recovery.
The treatment plan usually includes one or more of the following:
- Surgery. There are several types of surgery that are used in the treatment of throat cancer: minimally invasive, laser microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, classical (partial or complete laryngectomy). In the early stages of the disease, if the tumor is small and there are no metastases, surgery is rarely used.
- Chemotherapy. Pharmaceutical treatment can reduce the size of the tumor or completely destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments (surgery, radiation therapy).
- Radiation therapy. Treatment is performed by irradiating cancer cells with X-rays. It allows you to reduce the rate of tumor growth or completely destroy it. Lymph nodes located in the immediate vicinity of the tumor are also subjected to radiation therapy.
