Throat cancer can develop in two areas of the throat – the pharynx or the larynx (voice box). It often starts in the flat cells lining the muscular tube that runs from behind the nose to the neck. For individuals recovering from throat cancer, understanding the risk factors and symptoms is important, especially when planning for cancer care at home to ensure proper support during recovery.
Areas of the Throat that Can Develop Cancerous Cells
While the cancerous cells are similar in whatever area develops cancerous cells, throat cancers are broken into six types depending on their origin areas.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the area of the throat just behind the nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the part of the throat that is directly behind the mouth and includes the tonsils.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer happens in the lower part of the throat, located above the esophagus and windpipe.
- Glottic cancer affects the vocal cords.
- Supraglottic cancer occurs in the top portion of the voice box and affects the epiglottis, the piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into the windpipe.
- Subglottic cancer begins below the vocal cords, in the lower portion of the voice box.
Symptoms of Throat Cancer
- Constant coughing
- Voice changes, including not being able to speak clearly or having a consistent hoarseness of the voice
- Struggling to swallow food
- A painful throat
- Pain in one or both ears
- A lump or open sore in the throat that doesn’t get better
- Unexpected weight loss
For those diagnosed, managing symptoms can be challenging, but with proper support, it’s possible to improve quality of life. Cancer care at home providers offer patients personalized care in a comfortable environment, helping them navigate treatment and recovery with ease.
What Increases the Risk of Throat Cancer
Having one or two risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean your loved one will develop throat cancer, but the more risk factors they have, the higher the likelihood. Knowing these risks can encourage early action to get symptoms checked, rule out cancer, or begin treatment before it progresses.
Early detection is key, and with proper support, including cancer care at home, managing risks and treatment becomes more accessible.
- Tobacco Use: Using tobacco is one of the largest risk factors for developing throat cancer. Smoke (and second-hand smoke) from pipes, cigars, and cigarettes all increase the risk of throat cancer and are often linked to most cases.
- Alcohol Use: Drinking on average one or more alcoholic drinks per day can increase the risk.
- Being Both a Drinker and a Smoker: If your loved one is both a heavy drinker and smoker, the risk of her developing throat cancer is greatly increased and multiplied.
While other factors may contribute to throat cancer, these two, especially when combined, pose the greatest risk. Knowing these risks and ensuring timely care, including the option of cancer care at home services, can make a meaningful difference in improving outcomes.
Recovering at Home After Treatment of Throat Cancer
Your loved one’s treatment options will depend on where the cancerous cells are and how advanced the disease is. She may have radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of all of these treatments, plus possibly others. Recovery may take some time, and your loved one may need 24-hour care for a while after she is discharged from the hospital.
She will have numerous follow-up visits and may need to meet with physical and occupational therapists to help her learn how to adjust to the changes in her abilities to swallow, breathe, and talk.
Having someone come to the home to assist around the house can be one way to help support her cancer care at home needs. A provider trained to help with cancer care at home assistance can be a valuable asset to helping her with housework and providing meals when her body is exhausted from managing her cancer recovery.
Knowing that cancer care at home providers can take care of those homemaking details can help your loved one focus her energy on recovery and moving forward toward better health days ahead.
Providing exceptional Cancer Care at Home in McLean, VA, for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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