Posted on 4 September, 2011
Although there are many types and forms of cancer, the cancer of the throat is a dangerous type of cancer affecting many people around the world these days. The cancer of the throat can affect any human being, but a certain group of people are more prone to this form of cancer. Cancer of the throat is more prevalent in people who smoke regularly or are exposed to a lot of passive smoking. People with chronic acid reflux disease are also at a higher risk of contracting this type of cancer. Another group of people that are more at risk of contracting cancer of the throat are those with a family history of this disease. A cancer that affects the pharynx (the area that connects the mouth and the nasal cavity), the vocal cords and/or the larynx (the voice box) in a patient is known as cancer of the throat. Each year some 5000 to 7000 people die of throat cancer in the United States. African American men are most at risk of contracting cancer of the throat. People with cancer of the throat are far more likely to have cancer in their pharynx than in the larynx. Men are much more at risk of having the cancer of the throat then women, and roughly 25000 new cases of throat cancer are diagnosed each year. There are some symptoms that will point towards the cancer of the throat and if you have any of these symptoms you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Like any disease an early diagnosis and treatment can save your life. Especially with cancer if it is diagnosed well in time treatment can be much more effective. Unfortunately the early symptoms for throat cancer are quite general and can be mistaken for some other conditions like sore throat, flu and common cold, these symptoms should not be ignored and a through checkup should be done to diagnose the problem correctly. Chronic earaches are a common symptom of throat cancer; these aches can sometimes be mistaken for an ear infection caused by flu. Chronic sore throat is another major symptom of throat cancer and it can be persistent and not go away. A dry throat and difficulty speaking, sometimes it can feel like there is a lump in the back of the mouth, throat or neck, this symptom can also make one sound hoarse. Sometimes a patient suffering from cancer of the throat will feel numbness all over the face. A throat cancer patient can show visible sores on the tongue and mouth. Pain or difficulty swallowing, some times difficulty even swallowing liquids are a symptom of throat cancer and should not be ignored. Sudden unexplained weight loss in any person is a sign of concern and is a symptom of throat cancer or some other type of cancer. Bleeding from the throat and blood in the sputum is another symptom of cancer of the throat. If you suffer from any of these symptoms or a combination of the symptoms get yourself properly checked out, it is not necessary that you are suffering from throat cancer just because you have some symptoms but it is important to rule out the presence of this dangerous disease in a timely manner. |
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