Early Signs of Throat Cancer
Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes a person’s overall health. Millions of Americans have health problems caused by smoking. Throat cancer, also known as laryngeal cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the larynx, leading to the formation of a tumor. Tobacco use is by far the most common risk factor for cancers of the mouth and throat. Both smoking and “smokeless” tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco) increase the risk of developing cancer in the mouth or throat.
Smokeless or chewing tobacco is linked with cancers of the cheeks, gums, and inner surface of the lips. Thirty-six percent of people diagnosed with throat cancer are expected to die within 5 years after diagnosis. Signs of throat cancer may be difficult to identify in the early stages of the disease. However a number of symptoms may include; a sore throat, ear pain, difficulty breathing, pain/difficulty when swallowing or a lump or mass in the neck. Five years after you quit smoking completely, the risks of cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus are halved.
Treatment for laryngeal cancer can involve radiation, chemotherapy and in some cases surgery. To have a lower risk of developing throat cancer, smoke less and with the help of great services that Dr. Rosenberg has provided for past and current patients.