Throat cancer: causes, stages of development, diagnosis, treatment methods, rehabilitation

Throat cancer is an extremely dangerous disease, which is most often observed in mature men and heavy smokers. Other provoking factors are hazardous production or unfavorable environmental conditions. The first symptoms of the pathology are similar to a common cold, but if they do not go away for 2 weeks or more, it is necessary to urgently undergo examination.

Symptoms

The initial manifestations of the disease resemble a common cold:

• sore throat that makes it difficult to speak or swallow food;
• feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the throat;
• swelling of the tonsils;
• change in voice - hoarseness or nasality;
• frequent headaches;
• general weakness, decreased performance;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes.

However, unlike a cold, the first symptoms of throat cancer do not go away within a week. The listed signs intensify, and over time they are added:

• light spots on the mucous membrane;
• small bleeding ulcers;
• chronic cough;
• ear pain without signs of otitis media;
• weight loss for no apparent reason;
• the appearance of a tumor in the neck;
• difficulties in pronouncing words due to decreased mobility of the tongue;
• labored breathing;
• nose bleeding

Degree of differentiation (G)

When describing these types of cancer, doctors also use the concept of “degree of differentiation” (G), which indicates the degree to which cancer cells resemble healthy cells when examining a tumor fragment under a microscope.

Experts compare malignant tissue with healthy tissue. The latter usually contains many different types of cells grouped together. If the cancer is similar to healthy tissue and contains different groups of cells, it is called differentiated, or low-grade. If the cancerous tissue is very different from healthy tissue, the tumor is called low-grade, or high-grade. The degree of differentiation of the tumor allows doctors to predict how quickly the cancer will spread. In general, the higher the degree of differentiation (and, accordingly, the lower the malignancy), the better the prognosis.

• GX: The degree of differentiation cannot be established.
• G1: Tumor cells are very similar to healthy tissue (high differentiation).
• G2: Cells are moderately differentiated.
• G3: Tumor cells do not resemble healthy tissue (low differentiation).

Causes and risk factors

The mechanism that causes pathological changes in cells, due to which they begin to divide uncontrollably and uncontrollably, has not yet been precisely identified. However, today the factors contributing to the appearance of throat cancer have already been well studied. The main reasons are heavy tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition, the situation is aggravated by:

• being male;
• age over 40 years;
• living in a city with an unfavorable environmental situation;
• work in hazardous production;
• lack of vitamins and the predominance of meat in the diet;
• inherited predisposition to cancer;
• heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux);
• papillomavirus infection.

About 90% of patients with throat cancer are men aged 40-60 years, living in large cities and smoking at least a pack of cigarettes daily.

Stages

The appearance of symptoms of laryngeal cancer is often preceded by a precancerous condition - dysplasia of the mucous membrane, which develops with constant irritation from cigarette smoke, strong alcohol or pollutants. If the irritating factor is eliminated, this condition often disappears on its own, otherwise a transition to the so-called zero stage of cancer is possible - in situ, or “in situ”, when pathological cells remain within the epithelial tissue. Subsequently, rapid growth and spread of the tumor occurs.

Otolaryngologists and oncologists distinguish four main stages of the disease.

1. The pathological formation remains within the original part of the larynx, spreading into the mucous membrane and submucosal layer. Symptoms are absent or subtle.
2. The tumor grows into all layers of throat tissue, but remains within the original region. Sore throat and voice changes appear.
3. The neoplasm penetrates into the tissues adjacent to the throat and regional lymph nodes. The sore throat intensifies, cough, ulcers and other characteristic symptoms appear.
4. The tumor grows so much that it becomes clearly visible on the neck. It grows into all surrounding tissues and metastasizes to nearby and distant organs. The patient's condition deteriorates sharply, and he is tormented by constant pain.

Anatomy of the larynx

In an adult, the larynx is located at the level of the IV-VI cervical vertebrae along the midline of the neck. At the top it comes into contact with the hyoid bone, at the bottom it passes into the trachea, at the back it is covered with fiber and communicates with the pharynx. The anterior surface of the larynx is covered with muscles, fascia and skin.

The organ has a complex anatomical structure - it contains cartilage, ligaments, many muscles and joints. The large thyroid cartilage, also called the Adam's apple, is palpated on the neck and protrudes significantly forward in men.

Functions of the larynx:

• respiratory – regulation of external respiration, its depth and rhythm;
• insulating (protective) - protection of the respiratory tract from food entering during swallowing, harmful impurities from the air (for this, a spasm of the larynx occurs), evacuation of foreign particles trapped in the respiratory tract by coughing;
• vocal (phonatory) - the formation of vowels and parts of consonant sounds when air passes through the glottis.

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant neoplasm, most often developing from squamous epithelium. Localized in all parts of the organ.

Diagnostics

If cold symptoms do not disappear within two to three weeks, you should visit an otolaryngologist as soon as possible and be diagnosed with throat cancer. The examination includes:

• laryngoscopy - examination of all parts of the larynx using an endoscope to detect pathological changes;
• biopsy of tumors for subsequent histological examination of cells to identify laryngeal cancer;
• X-ray of the esophagus and larynx to determine how deep the tumor has spread;
• Ultrasound of the neck to detect metastases;
• MRI of the larynx to clarify the size and topology of the tumor;
• immunological blood test to identify tumor markers.

Attention!
You can receive free medical care at JSC “Medicine” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) under the program of State guarantees of compulsory medical insurance (Compulsory health insurance) and high-tech medical care.

To find out more, please call +7, or you can read more details here...

Make an appointment

Oncology offers the services of oncologists who can study the symptoms of laryngeal cancer and prescribe effective treatment. To make an appointment, you can dial the phone number (+7), send a request on the website or request a call back.

We work seven days a week, so you can schedule an appointment for any day and time. It’s convenient to get to us - the onko is located in the very center of Moscow near several metro stations (Novoslobodskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya, Belorusskaya and Mayakovskaya).

Treatment

Treatment methods for throat cancer are selected according to the size of the tumor, the degree of involvement of neighboring organs in the oncological process, the presence of metastases, and the general condition of the patient.

• Surgery is a radical and most effective method, which involves removing malignant tissue. In the early stages, surgery is used as an independent method of combating the tumor, in later stages it is used in combination with radiation and chemical therapy. Depending on the size of the tumor, the surgeon removes part of the larynx or the entire organ. In some cases, lymph nodes, cervical tissue and other anatomical structures affected by metastases are simultaneously removed.
• Radiation therapy is used after surgery to destroy residual cancerous lesions, and if intervention is not possible, as the main method of treatment. In some cases, radiation can destroy a small tumor without surgery.
• Chemotherapy is used before surgery to shrink the tumor, and in combination with radiation therapy to prevent recurrence after surgery. In advanced stages of cancer, chemoradiotherapy is used as the primary treatment to control tumor growth and symptoms.
• Targeted therapy in the early stages is used in combination with radiation therapy, in later stages - in combination with chemotherapy.

Benefits of oncological

For more than 30 years of work in medicine, we have raised the quality of treatment and diagnosis of oncological pathologies to a new level. We adhere to the following basic principles:

• 100% safe. We use only modern equipment, which allows us to carry out highly accurate diagnostics;
• world standard. Services are provided with maximum compliance with domestic and international protocols, which is repeatedly confirmed by numerous certificates and awards;
• rich experience and high competence. Our staff includes leaders of Russian medicine and international consultants. Many doctors completed internships in medical institutions in Europe, the USA and Israel;
• uncompromising patient comfort. The cancer center consists of 2 buildings with a large parking lot. A pharmacy, a cozy cafe and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views are available to patients and accompanying persons. All rooms are distinguished by increased comfort, they have a pleasant atmosphere, far from a hospital;
• individual approach. Caring for the patient begins with the oncology center employee personally escorting him to the desired room or department. All studies and treatment methods are prescribed to the patient after a detailed study of the medical history, anamnesis collection and in accordance with his personal characteristics (age, gender, allergies, etc.).

Rehabilitation

Recovery after surgery to remove the larynx or part of it is a difficult and lengthy process. The patient cannot eat normally and is forced to take food through a tube, and cannot speak. After a certain time, when it becomes clear that the operation was successful, the patient’s larynx is restored and plastic surgery of the vocal cords is performed. To restore voice function, it is necessary to undergo a rehabilitation course, which includes special physical procedures, exercise therapy exercises, sessions with a psychotherapist, and training in new speech skills.

Where can I buy Israeli medicines?

1. In Israel - after diagnosis at the Ichilov Cancer Center. If you undergo examination in Israel, you will receive a treatment protocol and prescriptions for medications. After this, you will be able to purchase the necessary medications at an Israeli pharmacy.
2. At the patient’s place of residence – in any country in the world. You can also undergo examination at the oncology center remotely – within the framework of telemedicine. In this case, you will also receive prescriptions for medications and a treatment protocol. You can receive the prescribed medications in your city, or, if desired, with home delivery.

Questions and answers

What does throat cancer look like?

In the initial stages, cancerous growths may appear as small bumps located on the mucous membrane of the throat. Subsequently, as the pathologically altered tissue disintegrates, ulcers form in their place. Increasing in size, the tumor becomes noticeable from the outside, forming a characteristic bulge under the skin of the neck.

How do you know if you have throat cancer?

The presence of a cancerous tumor in the throat should be suspected when:

• voice changes - hoarseness, distortion of intonation, roughness;
• sensation of a foreign body in the throat;
• pain that worsens when swallowing;
• frequent nosebleeds.

If your throat hurts for more than two weeks and does not go away, you should immediately visit an otolaryngologist.

Is there a cure for throat cancer?

If detected early, throat cancer is completely curable in 85-90% of cases. Even in the most advanced cases, at least 20% of patients live more than five years. The earlier treatment is started, the higher the patient's chances of recovery.

Attention! You can cure this disease for free and receive medical care at JSC "Medicine" (clinic of Academician Roitberg) under the State Guarantees program of Compulsory Medical Insurance (Compulsory Medical Insurance) and High-Tech Medical Care. To find out more, please call +7(495) 775-73-60, or on the VMP page for compulsory medical insurance

Prevention of laryngeal cancer

Quitting smoking cigarettes, pipes, hookahs, and chewing tobacco is the basis for preventing the disease. Eliminating alcoholic beverages or reducing their consumption will help prevent not only laryngeal cancer, but also other pathologies.

There is an opinion that red meat and smoked meats increase the risk of cancer. You should reduce their number in the menu, eat fresh vegetables and fruits more often.

It is important to undergo medical examinations on time - medical examinations, medical examinations at enterprises. If you suspect a disease of the larynx, even if general symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Don't self-medicate! At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

List of sources

• Kaprin A.D., Starinsky V.V. Malignant neoplasms in Russia in 2015 (morbidity and mortality) - M.: MNIOI im. P.A. Herzen branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "NMRRC" of the Ministry of Health of Russia, 2022.
• Malignant tumors of the head and neck. edited by Kropotova M.A.., Podvyaznikova S.O., Alieva S.B., Mudunova A.M. Clinical guidelines for the treatment of head and neck tumors of the National Oncology Network (USA) - M.: ABV-Press LLC, 2011.
• A.I. Paches, E.G. Matyakin. Tumors of the larynx. Tumors of the head and neck: hands / A.I. Paches. – 5th ed., add. and processed – M.: Practical Medicine, 2013.

Tumor localization

The larynx has 3 sections: supraglottic, ligamentous and subglottic. A cancerous tumor most often affects the supraglottic region (65% of cases), and this type of neoplasm is the most malignant: it develops quickly and metastasizes early. A tumor on the vocal cords occurs in 32% of cases and is somewhat less dangerous. The subglottic region of the larynx is affected by cancer least often (3% of cases), but the tumor often develops in the submucosal layer, which contributes to later detection.