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Mouth and throat cancer: act quickly if you experience the following symptoms

2021-01-28T08:22:55.039Z


Mouth and throat cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. An early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery considerably.


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.  

Also interesting:

cancer patients often struggle with depression years after therapy.

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.

More on this:

Everyone should know: This is the cause behind four common cancers.

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

Warning: These four pathogens can cause cancer

Warning: These four pathogens can cause cancer

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2021-01-28

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