Throat Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and How to Help A Loved One Who Has It

When someone you love has received the devastating diagnosis of throat cancer, you want to be there for them and provide assistance in any way you can. However, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to begin.
As ENT doctors in Raleigh, we have discovered and helped treat throat cancer in our patients, and we wanted to share with you 10 ways that you can help your loved one through this difficult time.

10 Ways to Support Your Loved One Who Has Throat Cancer

1. Listen

Often, one of the best things you can do is to be there and listen to them. Remember to be an “active listener.” This means you should make a concerted effort to retain, process and understand all the information being relayed to you. Too many people think about what they are going to say instead of focusing all their attention on the one speaking to them.
If you are an active listener, your loved one will know that they have been heard, and this will go a long way toward uplifting their spirits.

2. Realize That Talking May Be Physically Uncomfortable for Them During Throat Cancer Treatment

The radiation that often accompanies treatment can result in side effects including a throat that is sore, dry and raw. Just as you would find it painful to speak with an incredibly sore throat, realize that talking for them may be painful.
It’s best to follow their lead and allow them to initiate conversation. Try to avoid asking questions that require extensive explanations. When you sense they are tired of talking, don’t push them.

3. Don’t Lose Your Sense of Humor

Laughter, when appropriate, can uplift spirits. Remembering funny events or even an entertaining story can brighten someone’s day.

4. Realize They May Have Changes in Taste or Smell

Bringing food to someone undergoing cancer treatment can be a big help. However, sometimes with the treatment of throat cancer, patients demonstrate a change in taste—-the dish that they once enjoyed may no longer hold interest. Changes in smell can also affect how food tastes since the senses of smell and taste are closely connected.
It’s important to ask them what they feel like they could eat before bringing food.

5. Get Foods That Will Help with Dry Mouth from Throat Cancer Treatment

Chores done with love can go a long way to help. It can be as simple as taking out the trash, picking up groceries or doing a load of laundry.
However, when you get groceries, be sure to pick up items that will help them manage dry mouth, which is a common side effect of throat cancer treatment. Make sure they have a good supply of bottled water, and purchase some sugar-free (or low sugar) popsicles or similar treats. Broth is also useful for softening foods that may be painful to swallow.

6. Make Future Plans

Cancer treatment is a long and rigorous journey. By planning a fun event that is manageable, you’re giving them something to look forward to.

7. Encourage Them to Take Care of Their Teeth and Mouth

Good dental hygiene may be the last thing on your loved one’s mind when facing throat cancer, but it is vital, particularly with the side effects of an extremely dry mouth, which can have long-term consequences. It will also help them manage any mouth sores and reduce the chances of infection.
You may even wish to provide a care package with an extra soft toothbrush and balm to keep lips moist.

8. Prepare Yourself

You will have strong and challenging feelings surrounding your loved one’s diagnosis. It’s important that you process these emotions so that when you are with your loved one, you can focus all your attention on them.

9. Be Flexible

Cancer can be unpredictable. Be flexible and allow space for plans to change. Don’t place pressure on your loved one to stick to a certain prearranged schedule—doing so can be emotionally and physically exhausting for them.

10. Learn About the Diagnosis

Your friend may not want to talk about their cancer or its treatment because they have been constantly bombarded with information. Therefore, learn all you can about their diagnosis so you won’t exhaust your loved one by having to share the information over and over again.
Below, we’ve provided some information about throat cancer that you will find useful.

Valuable Information About Throat Cancer

Different Types of Throat Cancer

The term throat cancer actually refers to either cancer that develops in your throat (pharynx) or in your “voice box” (larynx). You may also hear the term oropharyngeal cancer, which indicates cancer of the tonsils, soft palate and tongue base.

What Does Throat Cancer Feel Like in the Beginning?

In the beginning, it may manifest itself as a chronically sore throat that lasts longer than six weeks. This is often accompanied by hoarseness that won’t go away.
Other signs of throat cancer include:

• A chronic cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the ears
• A sore that won’t heal
• Unintended weight loss

What Increases Your Risk for Throat Cancer?

Smoking or chewing tobacco can substantially increase your risk. Other factors that can influence whether or not you get throat cancer include:

• Excessive use of alcohol
• Viral infections, specifically HPV and the Epstein-Barr virus
• Not eating enough fruits or vegetables
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Exposure to toxic substances during the workday.

Raleigh Capitol ENT Has Served the Community for More Than 50 Years

Our ENT physicians in Raleigh not only offer a wide scope of services, but through our state-of-the-art technology, many procedures can be formed in our office. This in-office treatment is not only more convenient, but it’s much less expensive than having the procedure done at a hospital.
We can help patients by detecting throat cancer when it’s at its most treatable, early stages. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today.
We’ve discussed ways to help your loved one who has throat cancer and reviewed some valuable information. But what signs and symptoms of throat cancer should you be watching for? This is vital to catch the disease at its earliest, and most beatable stage. 

Following we’ll discuss 5 throat cancer symptoms you shouldn’t overlook. 

When Should You Suspect Throat Cancer? 5 Throat Cancer Symptoms

Is it possible to have throat cancer and not even be aware of it?

Many throat cancer symptoms mimic common conditions, such as allergies, colds, and sinus infections. 

Every year, an estimated 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with some type of head, neck, or throat cancer, according to information from the National Cancer Institute. 

Throat cancer is most treatable when it’s discovered early. To achieve an accurate diagnosis, you need the expertise of one of our experienced ENT physicians in Raleigh who can determine whether or not you need a biopsy.

We’ll take a more in-depth look at throat cancer, its causes, and the 5 throat cancer symptoms you should be aware of.

5 Throat Cancer Symptoms

1. A Neck Mass

If you have a mass in your neck, don’t panic. Not all neck masses are cancer. They can also be caused by strep throat, tooth infections, and goiters. Our Raleigh ear, nose, and throat doctors will be able to pinpoint the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

2. Changes In Your Voice

These changes may be chronic hoarseness or the inability to speak clearly. There are several potential causes of hoarseness, and most of them are not cancerous. However, if you have had chronic problems with your voice—particularly if in connection with other throat cancer symptoms— it’s important to schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

You may have a feeling that food is stuck in your throat, even when it’s not. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing.

In general, this symptom gradually gets worse until it dramatically affects your diet, limiting your ability to eat solid foods.  You should always let us know if you’re having pain when you swallow.

4. A Persistent Sore Throat

A sore throat is a very common condition, and the vast majority are not caused by throat cancer. 

However, if you’ve had a persistent sore throat that doesn’t go away despite treatment, you should schedule an appointment with us, particularly if it’s accompanied by the symptoms listed above.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without any changes to diet or exercise–particularly if you lose ten pounds or more–it could be a sign of cancer.

As we mentioned earlier, many of these symptoms are caused by conditions that are not throat cancer. However, if you’re having many of these symptoms together, it’s important to seek treatment with one of our Raleigh ENTs who can help determine the exact cause of your problems.

What Causes Throat Cancer?

Habitual use of alcohol and tobacco—including chewing tobacco and snuff—are responsible for 75 percent of all head, neck, and throat cancers. Those who use both tobacco and alcohol are at higher risk than those who use only tobacco or alcohol, according to information from the National Cancer Institute.

Remember that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. E-cigarettes have substances like nicotine and diacetyl, which are linked to lung disease. Ideally, you should avoid both electronic and tobacco cigarettes.

Most throat cancers develop in those over age 50, and men are ten times more likely to develop throat cancer than women. The combination of smoking and drinking places someone at greater risk of throat cancer than drinking or smoking alone.

HPV and Throat Cancer

HPV, a common type of sexually transmitted disease, can also place someone at risk for throat cancer. While some types of HPV are not harmful, the Centers for Disease Control states that there are more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the mouth and throat. 

This is called “oral HPV.” HPV can cause cancers at the base of the tongue, the tonsils, and the back of the throat. Studies show that oral HPV is three times more common in men than women.  More research is needed to understand how oral HPV is transmitted.

Where Does Throat Cancer Develop?

Throat cancer usually starts in the flat cells on the inside of your throat.

But tumors aren’t limited to those areas. In addition, tumors can be found on your tonsils, your larynx (voice box), and your epiglottis, which is the cartilage that closes your windpipe when you swallow.

Throat cancer may have different names, depending upon where cancer originated and what parts of the throat are affected. Throat cancer may affect:

• The oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth)
• The hypopharynx (the part of the throat where the larynx—voice box—and esophagus meet)
• The nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose.)
• The larynx (laryngeal cancer)

According to the American Cancer Society, more than half of laryngeal cancers start in the area containing the vocal cords (glottis). Around 35 percent develop above the vocal cords (supraglottic). Each year, 3,640 people die from laryngeal cancer.

Thankfully, new cases of laryngeal cancer are falling by about 3 percent each year because fewer people are smoking.

Who Should Have a Throat Cancer Screening?

There are no simple screening tests for throat cancers because they are hard to diagnose without complex procedures. We don’t recommend routine throat cancer screening unless you have symptoms of the disease.

If we believe you need a throat cancer screening, we will use a special, thin, lighted endoscope with a tiny camera to examine the area.  We may perform a laryngoscopy to examine your vocal cords. 

If there are suspicious areas such as a neck mass, we may remove a part of it for testing.

How is Throat Cancer Treated?

In its early stages, radiation therapy alone can treat throat cancer.  However, more advanced cases require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and even surgery.

Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, and Throat has a Team of Experienced, Board-certified Physicians Ready to Help You

We understand the value of compassionate, individualized care. Our practice has convenient locations throughout the Raleigh area to help you and your children receive the world-class care you deserve.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, please schedule an appointment with us today so we can determine the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan. 

We’ve mentioned that, in some cases, surgery may be needed as part of throat cancer treatment. But are there other times when throat surgery may be warranted? Throat surgery can be used for something as routine as tonsil removal to more complex procedures to remove tumors. For our next section, we’ll go in-depth about what you need to know about throat surgery, including when it’s appropriate.

When Would You Need Throat Surgery?

Did you realize that throat surgery treats a wide variety of conditions, from life-threatening cancers to chronic sore throats and breathing difficulties? Because throat surgery may be an option for many types of diseases, for your convenience, we’ve compiled some of the most common reasons throat surgery may be needed.

Throat surgery for discovering cancer.

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the back part of the throat.

According to the National Cancer Institute, every year, roughly 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Often, head and neck cancers are discovered by surgery and treated using chemotherapy and radiation.

According to the American Cancer Society laryngeal cancer starts in the larynx, which is also called the “voice box.”

Hypopharyngeal cancer affects the part of your throat that is beside and behind your larynx,

Tonsillectomy

This is one of the most common throat surgeries performed in the United States. Located in the back of the throat, the tonsils help your body’s immune system by trapping germs. However, when chronic throat infections become the norm, it may be necessary to remove your tonsils. This is a common procedure in young people.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (removal of the uvula)

Yes, we know that word’s a mouthful. (That’s why we refer to it as UPPP. ) This surgery removes soft tissue in the back of the throat, including the uvula. The uvula is the tissue that hangs down the back of your mouth that you can easily see when you look in a mirror.

This surgery treats obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when you stop breathing for several seconds at a time throughout the entire night, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If left untreated, sleep apnea puts you at risk for heart disease or stroke.

To repair problems with the thyroid

A thyroidectomy involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate a wide variety of bodily functions including:

• Digestion
• Metabolic rate
• Heart function
• Brain development

While a thyroidectomy (or partial thyroidectomy)  is used to treat thyroid cancer, it can also treat goiters (a benign enlargement of the thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

Want to know more about goiters? We’ll delve into that topic later in this article.

Other reasons throat surgery is performed

Throat surgery is needed:

• To repair tissue as a result of trauma or injury
• To correct structural abnormalities of the throat or soft palate
• To remove benign (non-cancerous)  tumors that are blocking the airway

We’re the Experts in Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat

At Raleigh Capitol ENT, our physicians and surgeons have extensive experience treating a wide variety of throat disorders. We take time to answer all your questions in order to enable us to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Not all neck masses are cancer, but a neck mass is one of the first signs of throat cancer. Don’t worry: We’ll take you through all the information step-by-step so you can know what to expect—and what to ask—when you speak with one of our experienced ENTs and throat surgeons in Raleigh

Do You Feel a Mass in Your Neck? Be Prepared to Answer These Questions at Your Doctor Appointment

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an estimated 49,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the back of the mouth or the throat. Sadly, of those newly diagnosed, only 57 percent will be alive in five years.

Early detection and diagnosis

One of the first signs of cancer is a mass located in the neck. As with other cancers, early detection is vital, and your ear, nose and throat doctor is an important part of accurately discovering and diagnosing any lumps or masses.  While a mass doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer, there has been a rise of HPV-related head and neck cancers over the last several years. If you find a neck mass, you should check with one of our local ENTs at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat to receive an accurate diagnosis. Statistics show that many patients with neck masses have a delay from discovery to diagnosis of three to six months. While this rate is better than it was 40 years ago (when it took five to six months), Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat believes that patients should get the diagnosis and evaluation they need as soon as possible so they may begin treatment in case the neck mass is cancerous. We do so by following the most recent clinical guidelines and best practices from the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Common Causes of Neck Masses

While neck masses are fairly common in adults, it’s often difficult to precisely determine the underlying cause.  Some of the common causes of masses or lumps in the neck include:

• Viral infections
• Tooth infections
• Conditions such as strep throat or mumps
• A goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland
• A tumor, which may be either cancerous or benign (noncancerous)

In addition, it’s important to remember that a neck mass can be the result of a cancer that has spread from somewhere else in the body.

Different Types of Neck Cancers

There are many different types of head and neck cancers. Some of them include:

• Oropharyngeal (or-oh-FAIR-in-GEE-uhl) cancer – This type of cancer begins in the throat or in the back of the mouth.
• Nasopharyngeal (nay-zoh-FAIR-in-GEE-uhl) cancer – This type of cancer is found in the upper part of the throat located behind the nose.
• Laryngeal (lair-in-GEE-uhl) cancer – This begins in the voice box or larynx.
• Hypopharyngeal (hi-po-FAIR-in-GEE-uhl) cancer – This type of cancer is found in the lower part of the throat near and behind the voice box.

 If You Have a Mass in Your Neck, Be Prepared to Answer These Questions

How long have you had the mass in your neck?
Your doctor will also like to know if it has grown larger or changed over the course of time.

Have you had a recent illness?
Sometimes throat infections or even dental issues can cause neck masses.

Do you have a family history of throat and neck cancer?
There’s a genetic aspect to cancer. In addition, you should let your doctor know if you’ve had any relatives who have had any type of cancer.

Do you currently smoke or do you have a history of smoking?
This can be a risk factor for cancer. Your doctor may also ask how much alcohol you consume.

Do you have any other sores on your scalp, neck or face?

Do you have any other sore places in your mouth, on your tongue or in your throat?

As always, your Raleigh Capitol ENT physician will ask about your medical history. It’s always a good idea to bring a list of any medications you are on, including the dosages. You should also keep a list of any allergic reactions you’ve had to medications. Finally, let us know if you have chronic medical issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you feel a mass in your neck, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with one of the ENT doctors at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat as soon as possible.

Neck masses can be caused by a lot of different things—and not all of them are cancerous. Of course, it takes the skills and experience of a board-certified ear, nose and throat doctor in Raleigh to make that call—which is why you should always schedule an appointment as soon as possible when you discover one. Next, we’d like to take a closer look at one of the more common causes of a neck mass: the goiter.

What Causes Goiters?

Goiters can cause a wide range of problems, ranging from a tight feeling in your throat to severe hoarseness. In more extreme cases, goiters can make it difficult to breathe. However, this isn’t always the case; sometimes they cause no symptoms at all.

A goiter occurs when your thyroid gland—a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck—is abnormally enlarged, resulting in excessive swelling. Goiters are typically painless and can vary in size depending upon the underlying cause.

What Does The Thyroid Gland Do?

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in your body; it’s responsible for regulating your hormones, controlling your metabolic rate, modifying your digestive function and even regulating your moods. When it is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) it can cause extensive difficulties.

What Causes Goiters?

Worldwide, most goiters are caused by iodine deficiencies. However, in the U.S., where iodized salt is easily available at supermarkets, goiters are generally caused by other conditions, such as:

Graves’ disease

In this autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid, which overstimulates it, causing it to swell and overproduce hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

What are the symptoms of an overactive thyroid?

Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms such as unintended weight loss in spite of an increased appetite. It also interferes with your heart rhythm, creating a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or heart palpitations.

Other signs include:

• Hand tremors
• Sensitivity to heat
• Frequent bowel movements
• Insomnia
• Thin skin and fine hair

Hashimoto’s disease

In Hashimoto’s disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, only this time it results in the underproduction of hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism.

What are the signs of an underactive thyroid?

Hypothyroidism symptoms include:

• Constipation
• Problems with dry skin
• Sensitivity to cold
• Hoarseness
• High cholesterol
• Thin hair
• A slower heart rate than normal
• Stiff joints
• Puffiness, especially around your face
• Memory problems
• Depression

Anyone at any age can develop hypothyroidism. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible because in children and teens, thyroid problems may lead to stunted growth and delayed puberty.

Nodules

In this condition, lumps filled with fluid are located on or around your thyroid, causing it to enlarge. Most of these nodules are benign.

Pregnancy

Sometimes, a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) that is produced during pregnancy may cause a slight thyroid enlargement.

Thyroiditis

This is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and pain. It’s due to an abnormal production of the hormone thyroxine by the thyroid.

Who Is At Greater Risk of Developing Goiters?

Anyone can develop a goiter, but the following groups are at a higher risk:

• Women
• Those over 40 years old
• Those with a family history of autoimmune disorders
• Those who are pregnant
• Those who have undergone menopause
• Those who have had radiation treatments

How Are Goiters Treated?

If your goiter is small and isn’t causing any problems, throat treatment is not always necessary. Medications such as thyroid hormone replacements can help. Larger goiters—particularly if they make it difficult to breathe– often require throat surgery, where all or part of the thyroid gland is removed.

Raleigh Capitol ENT: The Raleigh Area’s Premier Ear, Nose, and Throat Practice

Have you discovered a mass in your neck? Are you exhibiting the signs and symptoms of throat cancer listed above? Or maybe your tonsils are chronically inflamed and you wonder if it may be time to have them removed.

Whether your case can be easily treated with prescription medication, or it requires a more complicated surgery, our leading otolaryngologists in Raleigh have the experience and expertise you need.  

We don’t just examine symptoms—we take a holistic approach to your health care and carefully evaluate how your condition is affecting not only your body, but the quality of your daily life. We believe in a comprehensive approach, which involves both compassion and state-of-the-art medical technology.

We consider it a privilege to serve patients throughout the area. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.