Throat Cancer Now Also Seen in People in Their 40s

In fact, laryngeal cancer, which is seen at older ages, has started to be seen in younger adults in our country in recent years. However, in laryngeal cancer, which is common especially in men in Turkey, survival success rates can reach up to 90% with early diagnosis. Larynx cancer, which develops in the area that starts behind the base of the tongue and extends to the trachea, is the most common type of head and neck cancer in our country. Of course, the intense use of tobacco and tobacco products has a big impact on this. Throat cancer, which is seen especially in older ages, has now been seen in people in their 40s in recent years due to the use of tobacco products. On the subject, Anadolu Health Center Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. We asked B. Evren Erkul what we were wondering about…

Most Typical Symptom: Persistent Hoarseness

The most important symptom of laryngeal cancer is hoarseness. Especially in case of hoarseness that does not go away for 2-3 weeks, it is beneficial to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist without wasting time. In addition to hoarseness, symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, swallowing disorder and sometimes a mass in the neck may also be observed. Occasional difficulty swallowing is considered by experts as an important indicator that the tumor is growing in size. However, some patients may consult a doctor with the complaint of a mass in the neck as the first symptom.

Is Cough Also a Symptom of Throat Cancer?

Cough may be one of the symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but the number of patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer only with complaints of cough is quite low. We can say that in advanced stage, enlarged tumors, cough is among the patient’s complaints.

Treatment Options by Stage

The treatment of laryngeal cancer is followed according to the stage of the cancer. When surgery or radiotherapy is used in early stage tumors, the patient is comprehensively informed about what the most appropriate treatment option will be and treatment is started with an option that suits the patient’s characteristics. If the tumor is at an advanced stage, the patient is treated surgically and then radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is added, while in some cases radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy without surgery is applied and successful results are obtained. In these treatment plans, a common decision is made by the tumor board, taking into account the condition of the tumor, the patient’s other comorbidities, and the patient’s preference, and treatment options are presented to the patient and applied.

Treatment Success is High in Early Diagnosis!

As with all cancers, early diagnosis is very important in laryngeal cancer. When the tumor is detected and treated at an early stage, there is a survival rate of up to 90%. Of course, the experience of doctors in this field in Turkey and the tremendous developments in surgical techniques and the fields of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the last 15 years have a great share in this.

Is There a Risk of Recurrence?

There is a risk of recurrence of throat cancer. This is true for both early-stage and advanced-stage tumors. This risk is especially higher in advanced stage tumors. However, let us say that even in case of recurrence, there is a significant survival rate with early diagnosis. For this reason, it is vital that patients do not delay or neglect their regular follow-up when their cancer recurs.

When to See a Doctor?

• If there is hoarseness that does not go away,
• If it is accompanied by swallowing disorder, neck mass, cough and shortness of breath,
• If he uses tobacco,
• If the patient is over 40 years old

You should definitely see an ear, nose and throat specialist without wasting any time.