What Is Throat Cancer?
“Throat cancer” means that it has spread to one or more parts of your throat. People who have it usually have it in their larynx (voice box) or oropharynx (the middle part of their throat). Treatment usually involves surgery. The type of throat cancer, its location and whether or not it has spread will determine which surgery is best.
A muscular tube connecting your throat to your neck is located behind your nose. Usually, it begins in the flat cells that line the inside of your throat. Just below your throat is your voice box, which can also cause cancer. The vocal cords are in the voice box, made of cartilage and move when you talk.
Different Kinds of Throat Cancer
It is a general term for the one that starts in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or the voice box (laryngeal cancer). Even though most throat cancers are the same kinds of cells, we use different terms to describe where it started in the throat.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx, which is the part of your throat that is just behind your nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx, which is the back part of your throat where your tonsils are.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) starts in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx), which is the lower part of your throat, just right above your windpipe and esophagus.
- Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
- Supraglottic cancer starts in the upper part of the voice box and is the cancer that affects your epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage that stops food from going into your windpipe.
- Subglottic cancer begins below your vocal cords, which are in the lower part of your voice box.
What Are the Signs of Throat Cancer?
Different kinds of throat cancer can affect other parts of the throat in different ways. Some common signs are:
- When your throat hurts for longer than two weeks.
- Pain or trouble with swallowing (dysphagia).
- Changes in your voice that last longer than two weeks, like hoarseness.
- Lumpy feeling in the back of your mouth or throat.
- You have lumps in your neck, even at the back.
- Pain in the ear that lasts for longer than two weeks.
Just because you have these signs doesn’t mean you have this cancer. Most of the time, these symptoms are signs of less serious health problems. If you have a symptom that lasts for more than two weeks, you should talk to your doctor or dentist so they can figure out what’s wrong.
Best Dentist & Dental Clinic near Me
Unfortunately, cancer is not a kind of disease that you can ignore. Furthermore, a dental check-up would be best if you have any of the signs above or just want to make sure you are in good condition. Our dentist at Oak Ridges North Dental can examine and go through your mouth and look for any signs of cancer regarding your oral health. Want to book an appointment in Richmond Hill, Ontario? Call us today.
