Throat cancer treatment

Throat cancer is a malignant disease that is accompanied by the development of a tumor in:

• the upper part of the larynx (epiglottis) - above the vocal cords;
• the middle - on the vocal cords;
• the lower - between the vocal cords and the trachea.

Among all oncological pathologies, throat cancer accounts for only 3%. It is most often diagnosed in men over 60 years of age. When localized on the vocal cords, cancer causes hoarseness of the voice, and on the ventricles of the larynx - a feeling of squeezing and difficulty breathing, which in both cases contributes to the early diagnosis of the neoplasm.

At stages 1-2, laryngeal cancer is successfully treated, and more than 90% of patients recover completely or achieve stable remission. At Oxford Medical, therapy is carried out by experienced oncologists and oncological surgeons. The clinic has created all the conditions for accurate diagnosis, surgical and conservative treatment.

In most cases of laryngeal cancer, diseases such as:

• hyperplastic laryngitis with keratosis;
• papillomatosis - turns into cancer in 40% of cases;
• pachydermia;
• leukoplakia;
• fibromas;
• scars caused by infectious diseases or burns.

They lead to the development of a malignant process in patients with risk factors.

These include:

• hereditary predisposition;
• history of cancer;
• prolonged contact with chemicals;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• unbalanced diet;
• weakened immunity;
• male gender and age over 60 years.

The danger of the disease is that after the initial appearance of symptoms, a temporary improvement may occur, which creates the illusion of recovery. Therefore, it is so important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo diagnostics. However, it is worth remembering that the listed symptoms can also appear with other diseases. An accurate diagnosis can only be made based on the results of examinations.

Diagnosis of the disease begins with an examination of the patient by an otolaryngologist. The doctor visually assesses the condition of the ENT organs, studies the symptoms that bother the patient, and the history of his illness.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• laryngoscopy - examination of the larynx using a mirror or endoscopic device;
• computed tomography;
• biopsy - taking a sample of tissue from the tumor;
• histological analysis - determining the type of tumor cells;
• general and biochemical blood tests, blood tests for tumor markers, coagulation and other studies.

If laryngeal cancer is suspected, a laryngoscopy is mandatory. It allows you to examine the mucous membranes of the organ and detect a neoplasm. To determine its nature, a biopsy is performed, after which the obtained tissue sample is sent for histological analysis. The results determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Other studies are performed to determine the exact size and location of the cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health.

In case of laryngeal cancer, complex therapy is performed, which may include:

• surgical removal of the tumor;
• radiation therapy;
• chemotherapy;
• targeted therapy;
• immune therapy.

For each patient, the treatment program is drawn up individually, taking into account the location and stage of the cancer, as well as other features. As a rule, surgery is performed first - the tumor is removed. Its volume depends on the size of the tumor. In some cases, organ-preserving surgery is performed, while in others the entire larynx is removed. Later, an endoprosthesis is installed to restore voice functions.

When diagnosing cancer at a late stage, when the tumor is inoperable or requires complex surgical intervention, the patient may be prescribed radiation therapy first. It allows you to slow down the growth of the tumor and achieve a reduction in its size. With a good response to treatment, in some cases, radical surgery is performed after this.

Radiation therapy can also be performed after tumor removal to prevent recurrence.

Chemotherapy is also performed both before and after surgery, depending on the indications. It has a systemic effect on the entire body, which allows you to fight metastases and malignant cells that may remain after surgery.

Targeted and immune therapy are sometimes prescribed as additional treatment. The first is performed with drugs that directly affect the tumor cells, and the second strengthens the body's protective functions to fight it.

At Oxford Medical, cancer treatment is performed by highly qualified oncologists. They are guided by state and international treatment protocols, in particular, they use innovative methods with proven effectiveness.

Oxford Medical is a large medical center with a modern oncology department. The clinic has all the conditions for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of laryngeal cancer. The oncology department employs some of the best oncologists and surgeons in Kyiv and Ukraine with many years of experience.

Surgical treatment is performed in a high-tech surgical hospital with two operating rooms, an intensive care unit and intensive care wards. Operations are performed using both classical and minimally invasive techniques.

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