Is a lump on the neck dangerous or not?

Causes of pharyngeal cancer

The following are the main causes of throat cancer:

How much do you have to smoke to get throat cancer? Studies conducted by scientists have found a connection between the number of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking experience and the likelihood of throat cancer. The higher the first 2 indicators, the higher the risk of cancer. Other forms of tobacco use also increase risk. There is a potential risk of laryngeal cancer in both smokers and those who chew tobacco. In individuals who have both of these habits, the risk of developing throat cancer increases by 3-4 times. Excessive consumption of strong alcoholic beverages is the first reason that increases the risk of developing the disease.

Laryngeal cancer associated with human papillomavirus has characteristic biological features. In its treatment, less aggressive organ-preserving chemotherapy regimens are used. How long does it take for throat cancer to develop? The process of transformation of normal cells into atypical ones is individual for each person. Throat cancer does not develop immediately. It is preceded by long-term precancerous diseases:

• Dyskeratoses of the larynx (leukoplakia, leukokeratosis);
• Pachydermia;
• Fibroma;
• Papillomas;
• Cysts;
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the larynx, which are accompanied by frequent alcohol consumption and smoking;
• Scars of the larynx as a result of illnesses or injuries.

The cause of the development of laryngeal cancer may be exposure to harmful factors at work, a weakened immune system, ionizing radiation, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Provoking factors are paints, wood dust, asbestos, sulfuric acid, nickel. How quickly does throat cancer develop? It may take months or years from the appearance of the first changes in the cells of the mucous membrane of the pharynx or larynx to the clinical stage of the disease.

Recently, in Russia there has been an increase in the number of newly diagnosed throat cancers. This is due to the influence of external and internal factors. Around the world, the statistics are no less comforting. Every year 15,000 new cases of pathology are diagnosed. The ratio of sick men to women is 1000:8.

Causes of laryngeal cancer

Malignant tumors form in tissues as a result of certain processes occurring in them; tissues change their structure, the same applies to organs. Among the most common causes of throat cancer

and negative factors provoking the disease can be identified as follows:

• long-term smoking,
• frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages,
• significant changes in tissues, the presence of benign formations - cysts, fibroids, untreated inflammation in the body,
• constant inhalation of harmful gases, acids, alkalis, gasoline and exhaust gases, as well as dusty air entering the lungs.

of laryngeal cancer are frequently reported

among people employed in hazardous industries, where they have to deal with various varnishes, paints, gases, oils, and gasoline vapors. Also dangerous are pulp and paper enterprises and organizations where there is interaction with asbestos. This can also include enterprises in the automotive industry, all places where there is welding.

throat cancer, what to do
The average portrait of a person with laryngeal cancer is a middle-aged man who works in hazardous work, smokes several cigarettes a day, and drinks often.

Smoking is objectively placed in first place among the factors that provoke the first signs of throat cancer

, there is information that more than 90% of patients are smokers with a solid history; the number of smokers with laryngeal cancer is approximately 20-30 times greater than the number of people without such a diagnosis.

Tobacco smoke is a source of various toxic substances, including radioactive ones, as well as soot. All this passes through the larynx, settling on the mucous membrane, provoking its inflammation, which becomes chronic. All this leads to the appearance of neoplasms. Smoking, according to statistics, leads to death from cancer in 30% of people who are faced with this disease, most often men. Filter cigarettes are not a panacea for oncology, because they retain a small proportion of harmful substances that affect the mucous membrane. Tobacco smoke is no less harmful for people nearby - they also have a risk of getting a tumor of the larynx

.

What are the first signs of throat cancer?

The first signs of throat and larynx cancer are very varied. They depend on the shape and location of tumor growth and the degree of its spread. The initial stage of throat cancer is hidden. The first symptoms of throat cancer are mild. If they are present, you must immediately make an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

What does throat cancer look like in its early stages? Initially, the tumor can be in the form of a nodular or papillomatous formation, a polyp, or diffuse infiltration. The surface of the tumor is usually uneven and may be gray, red or dark. Cancer of the laryngeal ventricle first appears as a small, gradually increasing upward bulge of the ventricular ligament. Cancer of the epiglottis appears in the form of a limited infiltration or a lumpy, mushroom-shaped mass on its laryngeal surface, spreading into the preepiglottic space.

The first signs of laryngeal cancer depend on the location of the tumor. In the early stages of cancer of the middle part of the larynx, where the vocal cords are located, the first symptoms of throat cancer are hoarseness and other voice changes. The sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat intensifies while eating or swallowing water.

Swallowing dysfunction occurs when the tumor is localized in the epiglottis. First, a sore throat appears, radiating into the ear on the affected side when chewing, and then there is a constant feeling of a foreign body in the throat. Because of the pain, the patient begins to eat less, which leads to weight loss and exhaustion of the patient.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

There are no common signs for laryngeal cancer

, they are determined by the parameters of the tumor, its position, and growth rate. At the very beginning, it is sometimes difficult to notice a malignant formation.

Common symptoms of throat cancer

relate:

• pain in the throat, including when swallowing,
• sore throat,
• frequent bronchitis,
• hoarse voice,
• changes in the shape of the neck (swelling),
• a sharp decrease in body weight,
• discomfort in the ears.

Symptoms

How does throat cancer start? At the beginning of the disease, there are no symptoms of the disease. Throat cancer manifests itself with common symptoms characteristic of oncology:

• A slight increase in temperature (up to 37.5°C);
• Drowsiness and constant fatigue;
• Weakness and general malaise;
• Fatigue quickly.

When the tumor of the throat and pharynx increases in size, symptoms characteristic of a malignant neoplasm appear. Signs of laryngeal cancer depend on the location of the pathological process.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer located in the vestibular part of the larynx? Initially, the patient does not show any complaints. As the laryngeal tumor progresses, the symptoms become specific. There is pain and discomfort when swallowing. This occurs due to deformation of the epiglottis and damage to the nerve endings. The epiglottis is deformed and does not completely close the entrance to the larynx. For this reason, the patient constantly chokes.

Malignant neoplasms of the vestibular region are aggressive. The tumor quickly spreads to surrounding organs and metastasizes to the lymph nodes of the neck. The reason for this is the well-developed lymphatic system of the vestibular region and its numerous connections with the lymphatic vessels of the pharynx.

What are the signs of throat cancer localized in the supraglottic part of the larynx? At the initial stage of development of cancer of the supraglottic larynx, there are no symptoms or manifestations of the disease. As the size of the tumor increases, the patient's voice changes and discomfort is felt when swallowing. When the tumor grows into the surrounding tissues, acute pain appears during swallowing, which radiates to the ear and hoarseness of the voice.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer when the pathological process is localized on the vocal cords? With this location of the malignant tumor, pain appears even with a small size of the tumor. The patient experiences the following symptoms of throat and larynx cancer:

• The voice is impaired;
• Hoarseness and hoarseness appear;
• Sonority and melody are lost.

The patient begins to get tired even after a short conversation. If the tumor grows into the lumen of the glottis, the patient's breathing becomes impaired.

Cancer of the middle part of the larynx has the most favorable course. The lack of lymphatic vessels in this area explains the rare metastasis of malignant tumors. Hoarseness, which occurs even with small tumor sizes, forces a person to consult a doctor soon after the onset of this symptom.

How does throat cancer manifest if the tumor is located in the subglottic region of the larynx? Malignant tumors in this area also have a number of features:

• Endophytic growth form;
• Resistance to ionizing radiation;
• Metastasis mainly to the preglottic and pretracheal lymph nodes.

There are no early symptoms of the disease. The first sign of laryngeal cancer is a dry, paroxysmal cough. After the tumor grows into the vocal cords, the patient's voice is impaired. As the pathological process progresses and the malignant tumor grows into the lumen of the larynx, the patient develops symptoms of throat and larynx cancer, such as breathing problems with attacks of suffocation. If the disease enters the final stage and begins to destroy surrounding tissues, putrid breath and a cough with blood clots appear.

How do you know if you have throat cancer? Malignant neoplasms of the pharynx and larynx do not have specific symptoms. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital establish an accurate diagnosis after examining and instrumental examination of the patient. If there is throat cancer, symptoms of the disease, doctors take photos during the examination. It can be sent to a partner clinic and advice from other specialists can be obtained.

Stages of tumor formation in the throat

There are 4 stages of laryngeal cancer:

1. The first stage - the neoplasm is localized in the mucous membrane. The tumor is limited and does not occupy the entire larynx. The neoplasm does not affect nearby tissues and organs and does not metastasize;
2. The second stage - a tumor or ulcer occupies one entire section of the larynx, but does not extend beyond it. The mobility of the larynx is preserved. Metastases are not detected in regional lymph nodes;
3. The third stage is divided into 3A and 3B. At stage 3a, the tumor spreads to adjacent parts of the larynx, causes immobility of the corresponding half of the organ, or, although it is limited to one floor of the larynx, it is accompanied by immobility of the ligament or arytenoid cartilage, or ligament. Stage 3B throat cancer is characterized by tumor spread to organs adjacent to the larynx and regional lymph nodes;
4. Stage four – an extensive tumor occupies most of the larynx, infiltrates neighboring tissues, there are fixed metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck, or a neoplasm of any size with distant metastases.

With stage 1 throat cancer, patients develop a constant cough and the timbre of their voice changes. After properly selected treatment, tumor recurrence does not occur within five years in 80% of patients. Stage 2 of throat cancer is manifested by disruption of the vocal folds and breathing problems. The patient's voice becomes hoarse and there is pain when swallowing. The five-year survival rate is 70%.

Stage 3 throat cancer is manifested by a complete absence of voice due to damage to the vocal cords. With stage 3 laryngeal cancer, the life expectancy of 60% of patients is 5 years.

The diagnosis of stage 4 laryngeal cancer is manifested by symptoms of damage to the larynx and internal organs in which the metastases are localized (esophagus, lungs and bronchi, digestive organs). Metastases to the liver and brain are less commonly detected. Is it possible to cure stage 4 laryngeal cancer? With stage 4 throat cancer, life expectancy is short. Five-year survival rate is less than 25%.

Types of laryngeal tumors

How to tell if you have throat cancer

? Tumors of the larynx can be divided depending on their location in certain parts of the larynx.

types of laryngeal tumor

Vestibular cancer

One of the most aggressive types of cancer, it develops very quickly, metastases occupy nearby organs and enter the lymph nodes. This type of laryngeal cancer is very common, you need to pay attention to the discomfort when swallowing, it seems that there is a foreign body inside. Sore throat with enlarged tumor becomes severe over time. In the future, pain is felt in the ears, pain is felt while eating.

Midsection cancer

This is one of the easiest types of throat tumors

, it does not cause much pain, since there are few lymphatic vessels here, metastases rarely occur. A clear symptom of such cancer is a hoarse voice, because the vocal folds do not close tightly due to the tumor. Subsequently, the folds may become completely immobilized, and the voice will disappear completely. Breathing problems may also occur. When enlarged, the tumor can penetrate into neighboring areas.

Subglottic cancer

This type of laryngeal cancer is quite rare, accounting for about 2% of all cases. Such a tumor is characterized by an endophytic form of development; it is formed in the vocal fold, so soon the voice becomes hoarse, and sometimes it becomes difficult to breathe. The tumor affects the first rings of the trachea.

Often, patients are diagnosed with a combination of lesions in several parts of the larynx.

Diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal cancer

How to diagnose throat cancer in the early stages? If there are symptoms of throat cancer, diagnosis should be comprehensive. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital diagnose cancer of the throat and larynx using the following methods:

• Direct and indirect laryngoscopy,
• Hypopharyngoscopy;
• Computed tomography;
• Histological examination;
• Trial laryngofissure;
• Cytological examination of prints from the larynx and lymph nodes;
• Determination of tumor marker levels.

How to recognize throat cancer? Otolaryngologists first perform indirect laryngoscopy. When examining the true vocal cords, attention is paid to their mobility during phonation and the asymmetry of the lesion inherent in the tumor process, and the size of the tumor lesion and its location are specified. To examine the posterior parts of the larynx, they are examined with a laryngeal mirror from bottom to top, when the doctor sits in front of a standing patient.

How to diagnose throat cancer in an elderly person if the picture is not clear enough or if the tumor is masked by secondary inflammatory phenomena with decay, infiltration and edema? In this case, otolaryngologists resort to local anesthesia, elevating the epiglottis, palpating with a probe, using a magnifying mirror, and also tilting the patient’s head accordingly. If a lesion of the subglottic region or lower parts of the pharynx is suspected, direct laryngoscopy and hypopharyngoscopy are used.

How to check your throat for cancer using computed tomography. This research method expands diagnostic capabilities for tumors that are localized in the area of ​​the ventricular and true vocal cords and laryngeal ventricles, as well as when the tumor has spread to the subglottic region. At the Yusupov Hospital, patients are examined using the latest generation computer tomographs with high resolution capabilities.

How to check the throat and larynx for cancer using laboratory methods? Histological examination determines the nature of the tumor, its structure, the degree of differentiation of cellular elements and the degree of malignancy of the tumor - all these details influence the course of the disease and are taken into account when choosing a treatment method

To avoid stimulation of increased growth and spread of the tumor process due to damage to the lymphatic and blood vessels during biopsy, oncologists perform several sessions of radiation therapy before surgery.

How to diagnose laryngeal cancer using other methods? In cases where the biopsy data are not convincing enough or it is impossible, a trial laryngofisure is used. Since during the procedure, contamination of surrounding tissues with atypical cells may occur, in such cases, a histological examination is urgently performed at the operating table, having previously obtained the patient’s consent for radical intervention. Cytological examination of prints from the larynx and lymph nodes is carried out in cases where the patient categorically refuses surgery and a biopsy is not indicated.

How to detect throat cancer at an early stage? For early diagnosis of throat and larynx cancer, doctors at the Yusupov Hospital examine the level of tumor markers SCC and CYFRA 21-1. Highly qualified doctors, equipping operating rooms with modern diagnostic equipment and instruments allows oncologists at the Yusupov Hospital to improve five-year survival rates for throat cancer.

How to treat laryngeal cancer? Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital have extensive experience in treating laryngeal cancer. The treatment method is selected depending on the stage of the disease, type and spread of the tumor. The following methods are used:

• Surgical interventions (chordectomy, laryngectomy);
• Organ-preserving laser surgery for laryngeal tumors;
• Operations to remove tumors using a shaver;
• Radiation treatment (external gamma therapy);
• Neoadjuvant, adjuvant and curative chemotherapy;
• Palliative treatment.

Expert opinion

Author: Alexey Andreevich Moiseev

Head of the Oncology Department, oncologist, chemotherapist, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Throat cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers. At the same time, the tumor is the most common among neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract. It is diagnosed in 50–70% of cases. As throat cancer progresses, permanent disability occurs. As a result, the tumor remains a problem for clinical medicine.

Recently, in Russia there has been an increase in the number of newly diagnosed throat cancers. This is due to the influence of external and internal factors. Around the world, the statistics are no less comforting. Every year 15,000 new cases of pathology are diagnosed. The ratio of sick men to women is 1000:8.

The Yusupov Hospital provides a full course of diagnostics necessary to identify pathology even at the formation stages. The earlier the examination is performed, the more favorable the prognosis. The quality of treatment meets international standards. An individual therapy and rehabilitation program is developed for each patient, aimed at improving the quality of life and preventing relapse.

The main treatment method for laryngeal cancer is surgery. Radical surgical intervention for a malignant tumor is removal of the larynx. The consequences may vary. After surgery, some patients lose their voice and tumor growth resumes.

A laryngofissure is applied when the exophytic tumor is localized on the free edge of the anterior two-thirds of the true vocal cord, without the tumor spreading to the anterior commissure and the arytenoid region.

If a significant area of ​​the larynx is affected by the cancer process, and mobility in the affected area is very limited or even completely absent, the process is macroscopically one-sided, surgeons perform throat surgery for oncology - resection of half of the larynx. Hemilaryngectomy is indicated not only for internal cancer that does not grow through the cartilage of the larynx, but also when the tumor process has spread to the anterior commissure and the area of ​​the arytenoid cartilage.

If the tumor is localized in the anterior two-thirds of one true vocal cord with transition to the anterior commissure or even to the anterior part of the other true vocal cord, a half resection of the larynx according to Otan is performed. During this operation, the anterior parts of the larynx are removed, leaving its posterior wall. After the intervention, swallowing and voice function are preserved. Partial surgical interventions for laryngeal cancer include frontal resection of the larynx. It is used for damage to the anterior commissure.

Currently, the most common organ-preserving operations for localized laryngeal cancer remain chordectomy and diagonal resection of the larynx. After surgery, patients' voice function is impaired; they note hoarseness, fatigue during conversation, and a significant deterioration in sound when overloaded. An undesirable consequence of sagittal resection of the larynx is a disorder in swallowing after surgery.

How to cure throat cancer at an early stage? Laryngeal surgery (tumor removal) is performed using a shaver. During the operation, healthy tissue is not injured. The operation is performed endoscopically. A tracheostomy for laryngeal cancer is performed after total removal of the organ. The Yusupov Hospital provides nutrition after removal of the larynx for throat cancer.

Throat cancer is treated with anticancer drugs. Oncologists practice two treatment options: monotherapy and polychemotherapy. In monotherapy, one drug is used, to which cancer cells are especially sensitive. The drug is prescribed in large doses. For polychemotherapy, several cytostatic drugs are used sequentially or simultaneously.

Chemotherapists at the Yusupov Hospital use combinations of cytostatics recommended by the International Association of Oncologists to achieve the greatest effectiveness of treatment. They use drugs that are highly effective and have minimal side effects. Patients at the Oncology Clinic have the opportunity to receive the latest anticancer drugs thanks to a research program in which the Yusupov Hospital participates. The effectiveness of radiation therapy for throat cancer is assessed by professors and doctors of the highest category.

A combined approach to the treatment of laryngeal cancer can improve treatment results. Radiation therapy for throat cancer is used both as primary treatment and as part of combination therapy. Is there a cure for throat cancer? Most patients with early stages of laryngeal cancer are cured with radiotherapy. How suitable radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer is for a particular patient depends on the volume and location of the tumor, and is determined by the depth of its growth in the throat tissue.

In the early stages of the disease, treatment in most cases is carried out with radiation sessions 5 times a week for 3-7 weeks. The radiotherapist calculates the total radiation dose to laryngeal cancer for the entire course, and then divides it into fractions. This separation allows you to reduce the undesirable consequences of treatment. Can throat cancer be cured? If complex treatment is started on time, the prognosis for recovery improves many times over.

Survival prognosis

How long do people live with laryngeal cancer? When a patient is diagnosed with throat cancer, the prognosis directly depends on the location of the tumor and the extent of the cancer process.

Table No. 1. Survival prognosis depending on the location of the laryngeal tumor

Is throat cancer deadly? If the disease is recognized in a timely manner, there is a high probability that the disease can be defeated. The five-year survival rate for patients with stage 1 throat cancer is 85%. When stage 4 gora cancer is detected, the prognosis is less optimistic. If stage 4 throat cancer is detected, how long do they live? The five-year survival prognosis for patients with stage four laryngeal cancer is 20%. Much depends on whether the patient agrees to surgery to remove the larynx and vocal cords, which could render the person mute.

Long-term survival of patients with throat cancer has remained virtually unchanged over the past 20 years, but the quality of life of cured patients has improved significantly. If radiation therapy does not lead to the expected result, doctors at the Yusupov Hospital use preservation surgery methods that allow the patient to partially preserve speech.

Diagnostic method

A neoplasm can be diagnosed, even in the absence of symptoms and pain, using MRI of the soft tissues of the cervical spine.
The examination will reveal the formation, determine the size, as well as connections with other vessels, tissues and organs. As for choosing a doctor, it directly depends on the type of lump. If the diagnosis shows enlarged lymph nodes, then it is advisable to consult a therapist. The doctor will determine the reason why the lump on the neck is growing and give recommendations for treatment.

Since the appearance of a cyst on the neck is often a consequence of tonsillitis, advanced caries or sore throat, you will need to consult an otolaryngologist and dentist. A dermatologist will give recommendations on the safe performance of cosmetic surgeries and the treatment of skin diseases.

If a malignant neoplasm is suspected, the therapist will refer you to an oncologist. If a formation is diagnosed that cannot be treated with medication, but is removed, they are referred to a surgeon.

When visiting a doctor, the patient initially undergoes a visual examination, after which the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. To determine the full clinical picture, you will be referred for additional examinations (computer and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, blood tests, etc.).

Also, if a malignant tumor is suspected, the doctor will prescribe a biopsy of the affected tissue for histological examination of the samples.

Prevention

Throat cancer is a disease whose development is largely associated with the consumption of alcohol, nicotine and other toxic substances. Oncologists recommend that patients addressing this issue give up bad habits to reduce the likelihood of pathology.

Another provoking factor is carcinogenic substances, the inhalation of which causes irreversible changes in the mucous membranes. Patients at risk are advised to limit manipulations with substances of increased carcinogenicity: benzene, asbestos, oil industry products, phenolic resins, coal dust. If, while performing work duties, contact with these substances cannot be avoided, respirators should be used to protect the respiratory tract.

Timely treatment of respiratory diseases is an important preventive measure to prevent the pathological process. Oncologists at the Yusupov Hospital advise patients at risk and inform them about factors that negatively affect the respiratory tract, manifestations of throat cancer at the initial stage and methods of prevention.

Treatment in Moscow

Treatment of throat cancer in Moscow using modern methods is carried out by doctors at the Yusupov Hospital. The Oncology Clinic specializes in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. The consultation is conducted by leading oncologists in Moscow, who have scientific titles and the highest medical category. Candidates and doctors of medical sciences and authors of scientific works take part in the treatment process.

Patients are in comfortable rooms. Medical personnel provide hygienic care for the tracheostomy. Cooks provide patients with special meals. The cost of treatment is lower than in other throat cancer clinics. The price of services provided to the patient corresponds to their quality. You can find out how much treatment for throat cancer costs by calling the Yusupov Hospital.