Best Throat Cancer Treatment Hospital in Delhi

Throat cancer is not the term which doctors generally use. They name the cancer by the affected area of the throat. Throat cancer can affect the larynx, pharynx, windpipe and food pipe. Cancer originates when the cells of these organs undergo a mutation, which causes them to grow rapidly without control.

Throat cancer can be of different types. Each type can be further categorised into 4 stages based on the advancement of cancer.

Types of Throat Cancer

There are several kinds of throat cancers depending on the area where the throat is infected. There is no precise classification of throat cancer, but it is categorised as follows:

• Oropharyngeal cancer: This is the most common kind of throat cancer. It originates behind the mouth above the tonsils. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections often cause it.
• Nasopharyngeal cancer: This type is more common in the Asian countries. It affects the area behindthe nose in the upper region of the throat.
• Laryngeal cancer: It originates in the larynx(voice box).
• Glottic cancer: It originates in the vocal cords.

Stages of Throat Cancer

After the confirmation of the presence of a cancerous tissue in the throat region, it is categorised into one of the following stages:

• Stage 1: A very early stage of cancer when the tumor is not more than 2 centimetres. It has still not affected the lymph nodes.
• Stage 2: It describes tumors which are more significant than two but smaller than 4 centimetres. Lymph nodes are still not affected.
• Stage 3: It describes tumors which have either grown more significant than 4 centimetres or affected one of the nearby lymph nodes, or both.
• Stage 4: Cancer has metastasised, which means it has spread to distant lymph nodes and organs.

Throat cancer can be treated easily if detected early. Looking out for signs and symptoms of throat cancer and seeking immediate medical help can help fasten recovery.

• An unusual lump in the neck and below the jaw area. This can be due to a swollen lymph node. This lump is often painless and can be misdiagnosed as a general infection. Getting a swelling examined as quickly as possible is crucial.
• Frequent sore throat. A sore throat is also often misdiagnosed as a regular symptom, but it can be a sign of throat cancer if it is not getting better.
• Pain in the ear on some side.
• Getting tonsil infection/swelling very frequently.
• Persistent cough or hoarseness in voice.
• Pain in the tongue and difficulty moving the tongue.
• Difficulty swallowing.

There are multiple risk factors for throat cancer. The following factors can increase the chances of getting throat cancer:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some strains of HPV can cause cancers. Usually, HPV causes warts on the skin, mouth, genitals, etc, which the body can treat on its own. However, some strains of HIV, like HIV 16 AND HIV18, are reported to cause throat cancer; for most people with HIV 16, HIV 18 cancer progression isn't seen as the body takes care of the infection itself.
• Tobacco: One of the most significant reasons for Indian people getting throat cancer is chewing or smoking tobacco. Second-hand smoke (being in the vicinity of someone who smokes) can also cause throat cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption in any amount can lead to throat cancer.
• Lifestyle: Living a physically inactive life and following an imbalanced diet can increase the risk of any kind of cancer.

Some of the following tests for a diagnosis of throat cancer:

• Physical examination: Throat cancer often leads to an unusual lump or swelling in the neck region. Doctors will examine this area and look for signs of a tumor. However, there is no clear way of knowing if a lump is cancerous just by looking at it.
• Endoscopy: If the doctor suspects a cancerous growth, they can go on to perform an endoscopy. It involves passing a thin wire with a video camera inside the throat. The doctor can look for signs of cancer inside the throat.
• Bioosy: Biopy might be the most definitive way of detecting throat cancer. It involves taking a small tissue section from the tumor and analysing it under the microscope. Several other histopathological analyses have also been done to confirm cancer.
• Imaging tests: Another way of confirming the presence of throat cancer is by imaging tests. CT scan, MRI, PET, and an X-ray scan can give the location and size of the tumor.

Throat cancer can be treated in several ways. The doctor decided which treatment option to go with after looking at the tumor's stage, type and complexity. The standard treatment options for throat cancer are as follows:

• Surgery: One of the most common methods of dealing with cancer is through surgery. Throat cancer can be treated with surgery if it has not spread to other parts of the body. Surgical removal of the tumor from the throat may compromise crucial activities of the patients like talking, breathing and eating.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation can kill cancer cells by disrupting their DNA. Using radiation therapy, it is possible to kill the cancer cells in the throat. Radiation doesn't differentiate between healthy and cancer cells. This is the reason why some people feel weakness after radiation therapies.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses potent anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs can be given orally or through an IV infusion. Chemotherapy may be used for stage 3 or 4 throat cancer patients.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy was developed to address the limitations of chemotherapy. Targeted therapy(unlike chemotherapy) in particular. It uses drugs that only affect the proteins or enzymes the cancer cells require.

The cost of throat cancer treatment depends on a lot of factors. The following are some factors that may contribute to the overall cost of throat cancer treatment:

• Diagnostic tests can be a significant expense before the cancer is diagnosed and categorised into stages.
• The locality of the hospital, its amenities, and the expertise of the medical staff also play a significant role in governing the cost of throat cancer treatment.
• Treatment options like targeted therapies can be expensive compared to traditional options like chemo or radiation therapies.
• Supportive care like nutritional counselling and physiotherapy after the surgery can also add to the overall cost.
• Patients respond differently to treatments, and some may require multiple rounds of treatment for a full recovery.

Amerix Cancer Hospital is one of Delhi's top choices for throat cancer treatment. It hosts cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, and personalised care. It is determined to offer world-class treatments to patients with compassionate care.

Amerix Cancer Hospital offers various services, from advanced diagnostics and genetic testing to the latest treatments, such as robotic surgery and targeted therapy.

The hospital provides holistic care, including nutritional support and psychological counselling, to ensure the best care for patients.

Amerix Cancer Hospital is the one-stop cancer centre for treating and caring for early to advanced-stage throat cancer patients.

You may book a consultation today for queries about throat cancer, treatment options, costs, and facilities at Amerix Cancer Hospital.