Throat Cancer Prognosis

Throat cancer prognosis means a prediction on what will be the outcome of the disease in time. Throat cancer prognosis depends on a lot of factors like cancer stages and treatment given etc.

Throat cancer prognosis is something I pray that no one deals with. But, if you or someone you love has received a throat cancer prognosis, it’s very necessary that you don’t get disheartened and provide them with moral support which will help them to deal with cancer of the throat.

More than 8000 people died because of throat cancer in the United States in 2008. Most of the victims were smoking extensively and were suffering alcohol addiction. Throat cancer also known as pharyngeal cancer in medical terms, can start in any of the three areas of nasopharynx (located behind the nose), hypopharynx (found in throat) and oropharynx (is made up of tongue’s base found in back of the mouth).

Throat Cancer Stages

Cancer is a life threatening disease that affects millions every year all around the globe. Cancerous cells start growing in a healthy organ and start multiplying thereby destroying all the healthy tissues in the area. One of the most common symptoms of any type of cancer is a benign tumor. Here we will see the progression of throat cancer in four stages.

Stage I: Most throat cancers start on the vocal chords and later advance to the voice box. In stage I cancer is small and measures less than an inch. This is the initial stage as the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes, so throat cancer prognosis looks promising, if treatment begins immediately.

Stage II: Although stage II is often referred as an initial stage, but the cancer has grown up to 3 inches. Cancerous cells have begun the process of multiplicity on the same area where the cancer originated. The chances of recovery look good as it hasn’t spread out to the lymph nodes, as the attention is still to the pharynx or larynx.

Stage III: As the cancer advances in stage III, it has grown more and it has begin to spread to areas where it can cause irreparable damage. The size of the cancer also increases. If it’s small enough, it can be removed in a single surgical treatment. Stage III by some doctors is still considered early and by some life threatening. Treatment is usually a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

Stage IV: This is the last stage. By stage IV the cancer has spread to the lips and mouth with damaging lymph nodes and neck. One more possibility is the cancer could have spread to the lymph node situated on the other side. One lymph node can have tumor which can be about 6 cm.

Throat Cancer Prognosis

Stage 2 throat cancer prognosis is similar in many ways to stage 1 throat cancer prognosis. One of the most important things here is you should look for throat cancer symptoms such as hoarseness in voice and strep throat, which doesn’t get better in two weeks. This may come as a neck pain or a swelling in neck that refuses to go away. Very few people know that throat cancer can actually lead to throat and neck cancer. Stage 2 throat cancer prognosis is considered positive and hopeful for many patients. The throat cancer survival rates is high and there is better chance that the patient would be healthy soon. The good part here is the cancer hasn’t started spreading yet and so radiation and chemotherapy won’t be required. The tumor can be removed through surgery.

In stage 3 and stage 4 throat cancer prognosis matters are serious, as it's a tough time for the victim and his/her family. In stage 4 cancer prognosis for throat, laryngectomy (surgical removal of a part or all of the larynx) is joined with a procedure to remove the infected part of the neck. Radiation is given to eradicate the remaining cancer cells. Patients on stage 4 will require speech rehabilitation, as their voice box doesn’t work. Before surgery, it’s necessary that details and consequences of the surgery are explained. Patients are taught to use an electronic device for speech production, which enables them to generate speech similar to a computer voice. With proper training and antibiotics the condition of these patients can improve in 5 to 6 years.

Neck and Throat Cancer Prognosis

When throat cancer advances itself in the III or IV stage, the cancer can spread to various places in the neck, causing throat and neck cancer. There are different types of neck and throat cancer, which affect the larynx, pharynx or mouth.

Vocal Cord Cancer: Popularly called the cancer of larynx. Larynx is a small passage which is in the neck below the pharynx. Symptoms may be sore throat or pain while eating food or harsh voice. Even pain in the ears can be a symptom of vocal cord cancer. Treatment for this cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy and sometimes surgery to cut off the cancer.

Laryngeal Cancer: This cancer affects the voice box and is similar to vocal cord cancer. Its symptoms are cough, harsh voice and sore throat. This cancer is treated with laryngoscopy (a special tube is inserted in patient’s throat to examine the cause of cancer).

Thyroid Cancer: In thyroid cancer, the cancer cells grow insanely and cause tumors in neck. Thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and it secretes hormones that control the functions of various body parts. There are four types of thyroid cancer - papillary, follicular, medullar and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are used for treatment.

Throat Cancer Survival Rate

Latest reports say more than 20,000 cases of throat cancer is diagnosed every year in the US alone. Throat cancer survival rate depends upon the individual’s overall health, age and stage of cancer. In some cases, survival rates will depend upon the ability of surgeons and the success rate of radiation. The good news is you can find survivors in all types of cancer. Research says that early detection of throat cancer has 90% cure rate. In recent years there are many new and improved surgical procedures that have come up for the treatment of all types of cancer. Throat cancer affects mouth, lips, tongue, cheek, neck, gums and mouth. Patients who attend their medication, radiation therapy and chemotherapy sessions regularly have a higher chance of survival in throat cancer. Treatments include chemotherapy, medications and emotional support. Individuals who suffer from throat cancer should search hospitals and doctors who have the best track record of treating throat cancer.

So here is where I stop writing about throat cancer prognosis. If you know someone who is suffering from cancer give them moral support and make them aware of the different ways that cancer can be treated and cured fully. Help them smile!