According to a study, more than a million people were affected by throat cancer in 2017. Of this total, 126,471 people lost their lives. The reason for such a high prevalence rate is that people misunderstand throat cancer symptoms like those of tonsillitis. This article provides an in-depth analysis of two different conditions – throat cancer and tonsillitis.
What is throat cancer?
The development of cancer cells in the back of the mouth, voice box, tonsils, base of the tongue, sinuses and nasal cavities, salivary glands, soft palate and lymph nodes. The most common of all types of cancer is tonsil cancer. Classified as head and neck cancer, it can also be classified as throat cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.
Types of throat cancer
According to the cancer treatment centers of America, there are several types and subtypes of throat cancer. These are-
Squamous cell carcinoma – This is the type of cancer cell that develops in the cells lining the throat.
Adenocarcinoma – The glandular cells in the throat become malignant.
Sarcoma – This is a type of throat cancer that develops in the muscles of the neck.
Larynx – This cancer develops in the larynx or voice box
Pharynx cancer – These are three types –
Nasopharynx that occurs in the upper part of the throat
The oropharynx develops in the middle part of the throat
The hypopharynx occurs in the lower part of the throat, including the larynx.
Causes of throat cancer
The following factors increase the risk of throat cancer:
A diet low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk of throat cancer
Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars also increases the likelihood of cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor
Men over 50 are at higher risk of developing throat cancer
People with HPV or HIV are more likely to develop throat cancer
Symptoms of throat cancer
The first sign of cancer developing in the throat is swelling of one tonsil larger than the other and persistent pain in the throat. However, in most cases, the person is unable to experience a sign or symptom even after being diagnosed. An individual is diagnosed with throat cancer when the doctor treats them for other throat problems.
According to the American Cancer Society, a person should see an ENT specialist if they have a sore throat for more than two weeks.
Depending on the extent of the cancer that spreads in the throat, there may be additional symptoms of throat cancer.
Bump visible in the neck
Tired
Change of voice
Bleeding gums
Sudden weight loss
Ear pain
Jaw pain
White spots in the throat
Difficulty breathing
Persistent headache
Swelling of the eyes, throat, jaw, or neck
Difficulty swallowing
However, these symptoms also develop when they are another condition in the throat such as tonsillitis. Therefore, if a person has any of the above symptoms, it does not mean that they have throat cancer.
Throat cancer diagnosis
Once the doctor questions an individual’s medical history, he can recommend the following diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells –
Song and urine tests to check the white blood cell count
Imaging test which includes a CT scan, MRI or X-ray to detect the presence of malignant cells as well as to check the severity of the disease
Laryngoscopy at the source and doctor passes a thin tube with a light and a camera mounted on the top inside the throat
Tissue source biopsy, examined to confirm the presence of cancer cells under the microscope.
Throat cancer treatment
After confirming the cancer, depending on the type and severity of the disease, the doctor recommends the following treatment options:
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiotherapy
surgery
Targeted therapy
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is the infection of the tonsils located at the back of the throat. It is contagious in nature, which means it can spread from person to person very easily.
Types of tonsillitis
There are three types of tonsillitis that can occur in adults
Acute tonsillitis – This type of tonsillitis lasts ten days or more. The most common type of tonsillitis in children.
Chronic tonsillitis – Some of the symptoms include sore throat, bad breath, tender lymph nodes.
Recurrent tonsillitis – People who develop tonsillitis 5 to 7 times a year would suffer from recurrent tonsillitis.
Causes of tonsillitis
The tonsils become infected due to a viral or bacterial attack. In addition to this, there are certain risk factors that can make an adult prone to tonsillitis –
Children more prone to suffer from tonsillitis spend time with family members already suffering from this condition
Symptoms of tonsillitis
Some of the common symptoms of tonsillitis in adults include-
Swelling and redness of the tonsils
Irritated throat
White spots in the throat
Blisters in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Some chose stuck in the throat
Bad breath
Terrible headaches
Lethargy
Fever
Tired
Diagnosis of tonsillitis
The doctor physically examines a patient for any spots or swelling to confirm tonsillitis. In addition, he or she asks questions about the patient’s medical history. Finally, they prescribed throat swab tests and blood tests to confirm the presence of infectious agents.
Treatment of tonsillitis
Some of the home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis include-
Drink lots of fluids
Gargle with hot water
Take medicated lozenges
Get enough rest
Avoid irritants as much as possible
In addition to these remedies, there are certain medications that can help cure tonsillitis – antibiotics and pain relievers.
However, when tonsillitis causes complications, the ENT doctors at Pristyn Care recommend removing the tonsils surgically in a procedure known as tonsillectomy.