Mouth and throat cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
An early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery considerably.
You
can often recognize
cancer of the mouth and throat (pharyngeal cancer)
by permanent changes in the oral cavity * or painless, swollen lymph nodes.
The type of cancer is most common in men, but more and more women are falling ill due to the changed smoking behavior.
Many of the
risk factors
for mouth and throat cancer are, however, entirely preventable.
We explain the
causes
and show
symptoms
and
types of treatment
.
What is throat cancer and where does it occur?
As with all types of cancer, oropharynx cancer leads to uncontrolled growth of cells that form a malignant tumor.
This is called carcinoma and occurs in cancer of the
mouth
and throat
(pharynx cancer)
in the head and neck area.
The tumors can develop in three different areas.
When
nasopharyngeal cancer (nasopharyngeal carcinoma)
, the upper portion of the pharynx is concerned, in
the mouth pharyngeal cancer (oropharyngeal)
, the central part with the tonsils and in the
throat pharyngeal cancer (hypopharynx)
, the part located at the trachea and esophagus separate.
Most of the tumors (around 90 percent) arise on the
surface of the oral mucosa.
Most of the time, carcinomas develop on the
tongue
and the floor of the mouth
.
The
mucous membranes in the tonsils can also be
affected.
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How common is mouth and throat cancer?
The Berlin Robert Koch Institute estimates that around
10,000 people
across Germany are diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer
every year
.
Most of them are
men
, about
75 percent
.
Most often these fall ill between 55 and 65 years.
But women are also increasingly affected by this type of cancer, especially between the ages of 50 and 75.
What are the causes of mouth and throat cancer?
As with all cancers, there is no clear cause of throat cancer.
Even so, certain factors increase the risk.
Mouth and throat cancer is mainly promoted by
smoking
and regular
alcohol
consumption.
Also apply
human papillomaviruses
as triggers that can be transmitted during oral sex.
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Oral and throat cancer: possible symptoms
The
symptoms of mouth and throat cancer
differ depending on which area is affected.
The signs include:
Changes in the lining of the mouth that last for over two weeks
Problems swallowing and chewing
Swelling or foreign body sensation (especially if one-sided) in the mouth
Unclear tooth loosening
Increased salivation
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Bad breath
Numbness of the tongue, teeth, or lip
Swelling of the lymph nodes
Sore throat or sore throat,
hoarseness
or a permanent
"lump" in the throat
are also
characteristic of throat cancer
.
Of course, the symptoms mentioned can also have a harmless cause.
Especially if they occur over a longer period of time, however, you should have them checked out by a doctor.
How is mouth and throat cancer treated?
The treatment of malignant tumors in the mouth and throat area
depends on various factors
.
The earlier the cancer is discovered, the better the
chances of recovery
.
The area in which the tumor is located also influences further therapy.
Particularly
smaller tumors
can be
removed
with an
operation
remove well.
In most cases, the doctor will also
remove the
lymph nodes
and some
healthy tissue from
around the tumor to reduce the risk of metastasis.
It is also intended to prevent the cancer from returning.
The surgical possibilities have steadily improved in recent years.
Today, for example,
lasers are used
to remove the tumor as gently and effectively as possible.
The area that was damaged by the procedure is then
reconstructed
in the same step or in another operation
.
The
body's own tissue
is usually
used for this.
If the cancer is only discovered at an
advanced stage
,
radiation therapy
or a
combination of radiation and chemotherapy
may be required
after the operation
.
Especially in the case of hypopharyngeal carcinoma (pharynx cancer), the cancer often spreads to the esophagus, larynx or thyroid gland and can no longer be completely removed by surgery.
If metastases have already formed in other regions of the body,
palliative medicine can maintain
the
quality
of
life of
the person affected for as long as possible and
provide
relief in the event of complaints
.
The
chances of recovery
from mouth and throat cancer depend on many factors.
As with any type of cancer,
early detection
plays
an important role.
So make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible if you notice permanent changes in the mouth area.
In addition to regular early diagnosis examinations,
giving up cigarettes and not drinking enough alcohol will also
reduce your risk of getting sick considerably.
(lw)
*
Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editorial network
.
Also read:
Cancer High Risk Factor: It's best to give up this habit right away.
Sources
: apothekenumschau.de, patienteninformation.de, leitlinienprogramm-onkologie.de
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