Throat Cancer

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer surgery aims to repair or remove the entire larynx, in addition to excising other tissues that may be affected in different locations as secondary complications of tumor spread in advanced stages. The biological function of the larynx involves speech production, assisting in swallowing, and breathing. The larynx is located above the trachea and consists of two muscular parts known as the vocal cords (voice box). These vocal cords vibrate during speech, producing sounds, and the muscles close during food intake to prevent entry into the trachea and lungs.

How is Throat Cancer Treated?

Treatment options for throat cancer vary depending on the diagnosis, type of cancer cells, the level of risk the patient is exposed to, the patient's overall health, and the following are the main treatment methods:

• Chemotherapy:

  In cases of throat cancer spread to other parts besides the throat and larynx, such as the lymph nodes, esophagus, or other nearby organs, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy sessions in addition to chemotherapy, which helps slow the growth of cancerous tissue and thereby increases the effectiveness of eliminating cancer cells.

• Radiation Therapy:

  Radiation therapy is one of the central methods of treating throat cancer. The mechanism involves using streams of protons and X-rays, directing them to cancer cells and destroying them. This can be done using a machine placed next to the patient, or localized radiation can be applied by placing wires inside the body that produce limited radiation streams. The latter method is effective in breaking down cancerous tumors without affecting healthy cells. Radiation therapy benefits patients who are still in the stage of limited spread and achieves significant efficacy in eliminating the developing tumor. In some cases of throat cancer, the doctor may suggest using surgical or chemotherapy treatment simultaneously with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is among the methods that help reduce symptoms and pain.

• Surgical Intervention:

  There are various surgical options, depending on the level or severity of cancer, as follows:

  • Traditional Surgery:

    In this category of throat cancer surgery classifications, the doctor performs the removal of limited tumors. Sometimes, a part of the larynx is removed while preserving the healthy portion. For large cancerous tumors affecting all parts of the larynx, the doctor removes the entire larynx. A tube is used to connect to the trachea to assist the patient in breathing during the procedure in total excision surgery, aiding the patient in breathing naturally during the procedure.

  • Endoscopic Surgery:

    If the tumor is confined to the surface of the throat tissue or vocal cords, the doctor may resort to endoscopic surgery. The doctor inserts a scope no more than 2 millimeters in diameter into the throat or vocal cords, depending on the location of the tumor. Afterward, the doctor inserts technical tools through the scope tube and then removes the surface cancer.

  • Use of Laser:

    In some cases of superficial throat cancer, the doctor may use a laser to burn and destroy the affected tissues.

  • Removal of Pharyngeal Parts:

    In some cases, the tumor may have spread to the upper parts of the pharynx, requiring the removal of those parts.

  • Removal of Lymph Nodes:

    Sometimes, throat cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. In this case, the doctor performs a surgical procedure to remove the damaged lymph nodes.