Pharyngeal cancer is also known as pharyngeal carcinoma in medical terminology and affects the throat. This is a malignant tumor, but in most cases it can be removed by surgery.
What is pharyngeal cancer?
Pharyngeal cancer refers to malignant tumors that can affect any part of the human throat. If the cancer affects the upper part of the throat, i.e., the nasopharynx, it is also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. If the oral cavity is affected, it is called oropharyngeal carcinoma, and if the cancer is in the lower part of the pharynx, it is also called hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The tumors all originate from the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Pharyngeal cancer is a rather rare cancer that usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Men are more commonly affected than women.
Causes
The causes of pharyngeal cancer are still largely unexplored. However, it is believed that excessive alcohol and tobacco use can promote pharyngeal cancer. In addition, poor nutrition can cause pharyngeal cancer, as can certain environmental factors. Experts also believe that the disease may be equally hereditary. Certain viral infections are also known to trigger pharyngeal cancer. The first of these is the human papillomavirus, which is also responsible for the development of cervical cancer, among other things. Patients who frequently suffer from diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract, such as heartburn, are also more susceptible to pharyngeal cancer.
Typical symptoms
- Lymph node swelling
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis and course
Pharyngeal cancer progresses without clear symptoms in many patients. The throat lymph nodes may be swollen, but this usually does not cause pain. These swollen lymph nodes are usually the first sign of pharyngeal cancer, which, however, is not even noticed by most patients. If the pharyngeal cancer affects the nasal cavity, nasal breathing may be obstructed and nosebleeds are also not uncommon in these patients. Again, if the throat is affected, sore throat may occur. If swallowing and breathing difficulties occur, the cancer has usually already metastasized and spread to neighboring organs. The diagnosis of throat cancer is usually made with the help of endoscopy. During this examination, the attending physician takes tissue samples from the pharynx and examines them in the laboratory. Some of the tumors are already visible to the naked eye. To rule out metastases in the lungs, the latter are usually x-rayed. The course of pharyngeal cancer can be associated with some complications. For example, problems with swallowing and breathing are not uncommon. This naturally leads to problems with food intake and sometimes severely restricts the patient’s quality of life. Regular follow-up is particularly important for patients who have successfully beaten throat cancer. Only in this way can it be quickly determined if the cancer reappears.
Complications
Serious complications of pharyngeal cancer can include difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing. This results in problems with food intake, and deficiencies and dehydration often occur. If the symptoms persist for a long time, the quality of life is also considerably reduced. Furthermore, middle ear infections, headaches and nosebleeds can occur. If these symptoms occur, the cancer has usually already metastasized to neighboring organs. Accordingly, in the further course of the disease, there are usually further complications that require independent treatment. Chemotherapy always puts a great strain on the body. Side effects such as nausea, hair loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and anemia typically occur. Blood clotting disorders and organ dysfunction can also occur. In general, there is an increased risk of infections and secondary diseases. The same applies to radiotherapy, which is also associated with a very low risk of further cancer. Bleeding, secondary bleeding, infections and injuries to nerve cords and important organs can occur during surgery. After surgery, there may be wound healing problems and inflammation in the area of the surgery.If scarring develops, it can cause permanent problems with chewing and swallowing.
When should you see a doctor?
If there is a general feeling of malaise, a decrease in physical performance or internal weakness, a doctor is needed. If there is a gradual loss of well-being, weight loss or a feeling of illness over a long period of time, a doctor should be consulted. Hoarseness, a disturbance in breathing, sore throat or swelling of the lymph are characteristic of throat cancer. If these symptoms occur, a visit to the doctor is necessary. If there is a nosebleed, swelling of the throat, discoloration of the skin around the throat, or loss of appetite, there is cause for concern. If there is apathy, an undersupply of the organism or changes in taste perception, a visit to the doctor should be made. Dehydration is a life-threatening condition. The affected person needs adequate medical care as soon as possible. In severe cases, an ambulance should be alerted. Disturbances of the swallowing act, a feeling of tightness in the throat or particulars of the voice should be clarified. In addition, special attention should be paid to complaints such as headaches, inflammatory diseases or a perception of pain in the area of the ears or throat. A doctor should be consulted to determine the cause. If there are irregularities in a chewing movement, swelling in the area of the jaw or neck and abnormalities of the back teeth, the observations should also be discussed with a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of pharyngeal cancer usually depends on how advanced it is. In principle, the primary goal will be to remove it during surgery. If this is not possible, radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be considered. Of course, the earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of cure. Especially in the case of pharyngeal cancer in the area of the larynx, treatment should primarily aim to maintain all important functions. This is of course especially true for the preservation of the voice. A variety of surgical options are now available to physicians to preserve the larynx.
Prevention
Since alcohol and cigarettes are known to be the main causes of throat cancer, one should try to limit the intake of both stimulants or, if possible, give them up altogether. Coffee, on the other hand, need not be avoided, as experts believe that regular coffee consumption can even reduce the risk of throat cancer. In general, a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables should be observed. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should be treated in time, because they are also considered triggers for throat cancer.
Aftercare
For pharyngeal cancer, regular follow-up examinations are necessary after the completion of treatments. For the patient, the first step is to clarify which doctor will be the contact for the follow-up period. Then an aftercare plan is planned and designed individually and is based on the extent of the disease. The therapies are then completed and the patient is on the road to recovery. In the beginning, examinations are carried out on a close-meshed basis. If no problems occur and there are no signs of relapse, the intervals can be gradually extended. Patients who suffer from anxiety due to the disease and concerns of recurrence of pharyngeal cancer receive psychological support during follow-up. If necessary, sharing with other patients in a support group is also recommended. A detailed discussion between the patient and the doctor takes place at every follow-up examination. It is therefore advisable for the patient to make notes in advance for the past period, which should be clarified in this conversation. Then an examination of the mouth and throat was performed. In particular, the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinuses, ears, throat and the skin in the head and neck area are examined. Regular blood samples are taken. In addition, imaging procedures are performed, if necessary, to establish the diagnosis.
What you can do yourself
After removal of a tumor in the throat (pharyngeal carcinoma), the affected patient may suffer from various limitations. He may no longer be able to chew, swallow, taste or speak as usual.Under certain circumstances, his appearance is also impaired. This massive change in life can hardly be coped with alone, which is why psychotherapeutic treatment is advisable. Joining a self-help group can also have a relieving effect. In Germany, for example, there is a network for people suffering from head, neck and mouth cancer (www.kopf-hals-mund-krebs.de), but the Cancer Information Service also helps with addresses, information and links (www.krebsinformationsdienst.de). Most people who have developed throat cancer have previously smoked or drunk a lot of alcohol. These risk factors should be avoided now at the latest. In order to also be able to recover physically from the cancer and its treatments, those affected should eat a healthy and varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. It is also advisable to drink plenty of two to three liters of fluid, preferably in the form of tea or water. Coffee is also allowed, however, as recent studies suggest that drinking coffee tends to reduce the risk of throat cancer. Good oral hygiene is also important now: teeth and interdental spaces should be thoroughly brushed at least twice a day.
