4 Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Throat Cancer: From Diet To Exercise

Throat cancer can develop in your larynx, vocal cords, tonsils and pharynx. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos for a prolonged time are at a higher risk of developing throat cancer.

What you need to know:

Understanding throat cancer
Types of throat cancer
What are throat cancer symptoms?
What are throat cancer causes?
Prevention of throat cancer

Understanding throat cancer

Cancer is a type of disease where abnormal cells multiply and divide at an alarming rate throughout your body. Throat cancer often starts in the flat cells inside the lining of your throat. The voice box that sits just below is also susceptible to throat cancer. When people talk about throat cancer, they usually refer to cancer in your:

gullet (esophagus)
windpipe (trachea)
voice box (larynx)

There are 4 stages of throat cancer:

Stage 0: The tumor is only on the top of the affected cells of the throat.

Stage 1: The tumor is limited to the part of the affected throat.

Stage 2: It has grown into a nearby area.

Stage 3: The cancer has spread to one lymph node and distant body parts.

Stage 4: The cancer has spread to several lymph nodes and organs.

Types of throat cancer

Here are some common types of throat cancer:

Nasopharyngeal cancer

This type of cancer originates in the nasopharynx, just behind the nose. This affects the upper part of the throat, joined with the nasal cavity.

Oropharyngeal cancer

This type of cancer starts from the oropharynx in the space directly behind the throat and includes the tonsils.

Hypopharyngeal cancer

This cancer originates in the hypopharynx, also called the laryngopharynx, located at the base of the throat below the epiglottis and above.

Supraglottic cancer

This cancer is located above the vocal cord area in the larynx, involving the epiglottis, a cartilage cover working to prevent food from going down the windpipe.

Subglottic cancer

It starts in the lower part of the larynx below the vocal cords and affects the subglottic area.

What are throat cancer symptoms?

Here are the most common throat cancer symptoms:

Sudden weight loss
Sore throat
A need to frequently clear your throat
Cough with blood
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Wheezing
Trouble swallowing food
Ear pain
Hoarseness
Sudden voice change

What are throat cancer causes?

Here are some factors that can contribute to throat cancer and increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer:

High alcohol consumption
Low intake of fruits and vegetables
Exposure to chemicals and asbestos
Obesity
Old age
Poor oral hygiene
Genetic syndromes

Prevention of throat cancer

While it’s not always possible to cure this type of cancer, you can always take specific steps to reduce the risk of throat cancer:

Quit smoking and drinking completely.
Consume a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Engage in physical activities every day to stay active.
Limit the consumption of foods high in fats, sugars and highly processed food items.

For individuals who have been diagnosed with throat cancer, here are a few treatment options to consider –

Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery

Understanding throat cancer is crucial for early intervention. Remember that your health is paramount. If you think your symptoms are getting intense, don’t hesitate to consult healthcare professionals for guidance.

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