1.EARLY SIGNS OF THROAT CANCER
Symptoms of throat cancer can vary according to the location of the tumor. The general signs are1. SORE THROAT- Any discomfort or pain in the throat which is longstanding and is not getting better with regular treatment.2. CHANGES IN VOICE- The voice can become hoarse, husky or slurred.3. DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING- When chewing or swallowing food, there might be difficulty,pain or burning sensation. Sometimes, there will be difficulty in swallowing saliva also.4. LUMP IN THE THROAT- Any neck swelling in the sides or middle of the throat can be a common symptom of head and neck cancer.5. WEIGHT LOSS- Generalized ill health and difficulty in swallowing can lead to weight loss.6. Other symptoms are difficulty in opening the mouth, difficulty in moving the tongue, coughing up blood , bleeding from the nose and headache.
2. HOW TO DIAGNOSE THROAT CANCER?Do not ignore any early signs and consult an ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon who will do a clinical examination. A flexible laryngoscopy with I Scan is an office based procedure which is the diagnostic test. If there is any clinical findings, a biopsy & imaging studies would be advised by the doctor.Early throat cancer is amenable for curative treatment either by Surgery or Chemo Radiation depending upon the stage of the disease.Head & Neck Center Hospital also specialize in Post treatment Rehabilitation of swallowing and voice to improve the quality of life of the patient