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CANCER OF THE THROAT

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Cancer of the Throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box
(larynx), or other areas of the throat. Recently, the world lost Ghana
President, Atta Mills to this deadly disease. Atta-Mills who is said to have
been suffering from throat cancer, died in the capital, Accra,
few hours after been taken ill on July
24, 2012.
And according to studies, there is a long list of famous
people who died of Cancer of the Throat both locally and internationally. In
this report, bebeakinboade.blogspot.com brings to you the causes, symptoms and
treatment of Cancer of the Throat
CAUSES
People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing
throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking
alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancers. Most cancers of
the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than
women to develop throat cancers.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of the cancer depend mainly on the size and
location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
  • A
    hoarse voice or other voice changes for more than 3 weeks
  • A sore throat or
    trouble swallowing for more than 6 weeks
  • A lump
    in the neck
  • Cough
  • Coughing
    up blood
  • Neck
    pain
  • Trouble
    breathing
  • Unintentional
    weight loss
EXAMS AND TESTS
The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show a
lump on the outside of the neck.The doctor may look in your throat or nose
using a flexible tube with a small camera at the end.
Other may include:
  • Biopsy
    of suspected tumor
  • Chest
    x-ray
  • CT
    scan of chest
  • CT
    scan of head and neck
  • MRI of
    the head or neck
TREATMENT
The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer and
prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
When the tumor is small, either surgery or radiation therapy
alone can be used to remove the tumor.
When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the
neck, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used to preserve the
voice box.
Some patients need surgery to remove the tumor, including all
or part of the vocal cords (laryngectomy). If you have a laryngectomy, speech
therapy can help you learn other ways to talk.
Many patients also need swallowing therapy after treatment
to help them adjust to the changes in the structure of the throat.
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