Television Associates Belen Rodriguez He is facing a difficult moment in health, as he himself explained in the magazine week, Suffering from throat cancer. It all started with a sore throat that lasted from last summer. A routine examination with his ENT specialist confirmed the diagnosis of a malignant tumor. Now he has treatment ahead of him to fight the disease, and he does it with dedication to his soul and his health.
He is not the only famous face to have been diagnosed with this type of tumor. A.MAria Jimenez, Maria Teresa CamposVal Kilmer, Michael Douglas, American singer Jimmy Herring Or former tennis player Martina Navratilova suffering from throat cancer, a disease that usually, if caught in time, has a good prognosis. We talked to him Dr. Vicente Guillem Porta Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre is responsible for the oncology unit to solve all the doubts we may have about tonsil cancer.
What is the current prevalence of tonsil cancer?
First, the oncology specialist explains to us that this type of cancer is included Oropharyngeal cancerThese include tumors of the base of the tongue, tonsils, posterior pharyngeal wall and soft palate. The incidence is about 3-4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. In Spain, 7,603 cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx are diagnosed annually, which are more common in men (5,370 cases) than in women (2,233 cases).
Its prevalence is increasing in developed countries and is primarily related to HPV infection.
One fact that worries us is that incidents have been on the rise in recent years. Dr. Guillaume points out that this is due to lifestyle changes in which risk factors (tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection) are increasing “This increase is happening in developed countries and, above all, for HPV infection,” he maintains.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, which spreads through oral contact or especially through oral sex, and constitutes one of the most important etiological factors for the development of the disease so that its epidemiological profile changes. “Patients with cancer of the tonsils and oropharynx with HPV infection are younger and less dependent on tobacco and alcohol than patients without infection,” points out the specialist in oncological diseases.
– Read more: Laryngeal Cancer: What Are Its Symptoms?
© GTres
© GtresSigns or warning signs
Early detection of any oncological disease is very important, as early diagnosis significantly increases survival. Therefore, you should pay attention to these signs:
- Persistent sore throat, pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
- Ear pain (otalgia)
- Voice changes or persistent hoarseness
- bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Sometimes a lump (node) is seen in the neck.
All symptoms of tonsil (or throat) cancer can appear even in benign pathology, but if they last more than two weeks, the tumor process must be ruled out.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnostic method for this pathology is simple. “Clinical evaluation based on symptoms and exploration of the oral cavity facilitate the diagnosis, which must be confirmed by a biopsy,” points out Dr. Guillaume Porta.
Once diagnosed, it is necessary to perform imaging studies using it CT and MRI To know the exact extent of the disease. “Testing for HPV in tumor tissue is also very important, as it is important in determining patients’ prognosis and treatment.”
Treatment of tonsil cancer
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the therapeutic methods that can be used to treat these tumors. The therapeutic decision is complex and should be made within a multidisciplinary team (ENT, medical and radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, etc.) and will depend on several factors: location, spread of the tumor (size, metastasis), general condition of the patient and HPV presence or absence.
HPV-related cancers respond better to radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy, and immunotherapy and have a better prognosis.
Fortunately, “in recent years, important advances have been introduced that have improved the survival and quality of life of these patients. Minimally invasive surgery, intensity-modulated RT, targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab) or immunotherapy in tumors with HPV. This is a good example,” he said
© Getty ImagesHow to prevent this disease
Fortunately, there are many preventative measures we can take to reduce our risk of tonsil and oropharyngeal cancer.
- Vaccination against the HPV virus, especially in adolescents of both sexes (this also reduces the incidence of cervical cancer).
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Practice safe sex (condoms, reducing sexual partners)
- Good oral hygiene.
