How to Deal With Inoperable Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, which affects the soft tissue of the throat behind the mouth, often remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Inoperable throat cancer means the disease cannot be treated with surgery. However, there are several alternative treatments available for those with inoperable throat cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Coping With Inoperable Throat Cancer

1. Know you're not alone. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 41,000 cases of pharyngeal (throat) cancer occur in the U.S. each year, with the highest incidence in men over 50.
2. Take the first step toward recovery. Because smoking is one of the primary contributors to throat cancer, quitting is essential. If you need help, visit the National Cancer Institute Web site to locate a smoking cessation program (see "Resources" below).
3. Remain proactive. You are entitled to be part of the decision-making process concerning your treatment. Exercise this right by playing an active role in your care.
4. Follow up with post-treatment medical screenings as recommended by your doctor.

Learning About Alternative Treatments

5. Consider radiation. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the latest advancement in the treatment of inoperable cancer. In IMRT, radiation beams pinpoint specific targets, reducing the impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.
6. Discuss the possibility of brachytherapy with your oncologist. Like IMRT, this form of radiation also reduces damage to nearby healthy tissue while delivering intense, targeted radiation to soft tissue carcinomas.
7. Consider chemotherapy with or without radiation as a course of treatment. Chemotherapy is often prescribed for throat cancer that has metastasized or is otherwise inoperable.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the term "inoperable" only means you're not a candidate for surgery and doesn't necessarily equate with a terminal diagnosis.
• Write down any questions or concerns you may have before visiting your doctor. The stress of dealing with throat cancer can make processing the amount of information presented seem overwhelming.
• Ask your doctor about clinical trials available in your area.
• This can be an emotional time for your friends and loved ones. Find a support group through the National Cancer Institute's Support and Resources Web site (see "Resources" below).