The reported cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) is approximately half a million globally. Of all the cancer cases reported in the U.S., 3% are in the head and neck. According to the American Cancer Society, 12,370 new cases have been reported in 2020. Men account for 9,820 cases. Approximately a total of 3,750 people will die from HNC by the end of the year. Of the total deaths, 80 percent will be of men.
With the most common type of cancers in the head and neck being laryngeal and hypopharyngeal, what exactly are these two types of cancers? Well, be sure to stick on as we dissect the two types of cancers.
Laryngeal cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the larynx tissue. So what is larynx? The larynx, also referred to as the voice box, is situated on top of the trachea. It is an essential organ as it aids in breathing, swallowing, and talking. The larynx has three parts, which are glottis that holds vocal cords, supraglottis, and subglottis.
Hypopharynx, on the other hand, is located at the lower part of the throat. Hypopharynx, also referred to as the gullet, is the organ that surrounds the larynx. The pharynx, a hollow tube commonly referred to as the throat, is also impacted. Having seen what larynx and pharynx are, let’s explore the cancers likely to affect the two organs.
The cancers are malignant tumors that grow in the lower part of the throat. The cancers that form in the throat are called squamous cell cancers. They form from the lining of the structures called the epithelium, which naturally produce a non-cancerous cell..
The American Cancer Society (ACS) statistics indicate that laryngeal cancer is more common than hypopharyngeal cancer. Annually, in America, there are over 12,000 reported cases of laryngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal accounts for around 2,500 cases. Point to note is that these cancers are more prevalent in men than women.
There are several signs and symptoms to look out for. Also, to note is that some people with throat cancers do not exhibit these signs and symptoms, at least in the early stages. It is, therefore, crucial to visit your doctor regularly. If you are in L.A. and you are not sure where to start, be at ease. At Westside Head & Neck, we offer the best consultation and treatment options in California. We have specialist ENT doctors in Los Angeles.
Look out for the below signs and symptoms:
Are you concerned about any of these symptoms? Wait no more. Contact us at Westside Head & Neck to schedule an appointment. Steer clear from self-diagnoses. If you feel any of the symptoms previously listed, it’s best to avoid delaying treatment. Schedule a visit for your peace of mind.
They say prevention is better than cure. To that end, let’s look at some of the causes and risk factors associated with throat cancers. It is essential to be aware of them to guide you in making good choices concerning your health and lifestyle.
The exact cause of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal is not yet known. However, there are risk factors that significantly influence the two cancers. The common ones include tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Approximately 85 percent of HNC cases are associated with tobacco use. Other factors include:
If you are still unsure of the two cancers up to this point, please visit a specialist for further consultation. Better yet, if you are in L.A., we have got the best board-certified doctors that are specialized in treating this form of cancer. Visit us for the right diagnosis and advice on preventing HNC.
So what happens if you visit us? Our doctors will take your medical history as well as perform a physical examination. We will carefully examine your neck region to check for possible swelling, tenderness, lump, or other unusual changes. Other forms of diagnostic may include:
What will happen if you get diagnosed with cancer? We understand this news can be difficult.. Confusion jumps in immediately but is at ease. Don’t worry – at Westside Head & Neck, we care. We will counsel and take you through the available treatment options.
Like any other form of cancer, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal treatment depends on different factors. The most vital being your overall health and the stage of cancer. The two forms of cancers, however, are treated depending on the stage of cancer. Main treatment often includes:
The most common type of treatment is surgery and radiation. But this will solely depend on the stage of cancer, your preference, your overall health, and possible side effects.
We offer chemotherapy for cancer treatment in Los Angeles. Chemotherapy is necessary before invasive procedures to destroy as many cancer cells. Confused as to why? It is understandable. But to ease your worry, our experts shall walk you through the chemotherapy procedure, possible side effects, and its efficacy in treating cancer.
Cancer can happen to anyone. If you feel any of the signs and symptoms above, wait no more. Visit us for specialist care for all of your discomfort. Our team is well-versed in throat cancer treatments, and will discuss the best plan to get your health back on track. Call us or email us today for the best care.