How to Choose a Treatment for Throat Cancer

By eHow Health Editor

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Throat cancer begins as carcinoma of the squamous cells forming the lining of the mouth and upper throat. At first, the malignancy only affects the surface. However, left untreated, these damaged cells may spread to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body. The good news is that throat cancer is treatable. Knowledge is essential in order to choose the appropriate treatment.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Take control of your lifestyle. Statistics show that smoking is a major contributor to the development of throat cancer. Continuing to smoke during or after treatment may undermine your recovery. If you need help quitting, contact the American Cancer Society (see "Resources" below).

Step2

Consider the effectiveness of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) either in combination with surgery or to treat tumors that cannot be removed surgically. IMRT delivers high doses of radiation to damaged cells while minimizing the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Step3

Talk with your oncologist about whether your treatment should include chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy or both. Realize that each drug or combination of drugs can cause side effects. Learn what these are and how to combat them after treatment.

Step4

Discuss whether surgery is the right course of treatment to choose for your type of throat cancer. The goal will be to remove the tumor and the surrounding tissue, known as the margin. However, it's important to ask if other major tissue, such as the pharynx or part of the jaw bone, will also need to be removed. This may require reconstructive surgery.

Step5

Get a second opinion from a throat cancer specialist. He can give you added insight about which treatment is best suited to your particular situation.

Tips & Warnings

Ask your oncologist about the recently approved class of drugs known as angiogenesis inhibitors, which have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. Often, these medications are used in combination with chemotherapy.
Stick to the prescribed regimen of follow-up care after treatment to prevent a recurrence of throat cancer.
Expect treatment to leave you fatigued or to interfere with the way you normally eat or speak. Rehabilitation after treatment may involve medication for pain or depression, nutritional counseling or physical therapy.