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obsolete throat carcinoma

Description

Obsolete Throat Carcinoma: A Review

Throat carcinoma, also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), is a type of cancer that affects the middle part of the pharynx, including the base and posterior one-third of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and posterior and lateral pharyngeal walls [11]. Historically, this disease has been grouped together with other cancers of the oral cavity (OCSCC) and oropharynx (OPSCC), under the terms "oral" and "oropharyngeal" squamous cell carcinomas [3].

Symptoms

The symptoms of throat carcinoma have evolved over time. While some symptoms remain consistent, others have become more prominent due to changes in disease presentation and patient demographics. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Weight loss
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Ear pain
  • Lump or swelling in the neck

These symptoms can be attributed to various factors, including the location of the tumor, its size, and the presence of metastasis [6].

Causes

Throat carcinoma has been linked to several risk factors, including:

  • Smoking and chewing tobacco
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

The association between HPV and throat cancer has become more pronounced in recent years, with the virus being identified as a major contributor to the increasing incidence of OPSCC [15].

Treatment

Treatment options for throat carcinoma have evolved over time. While surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy remain primary treatment modalities, there is an increasing emphasis on early detection and intervention. The goal of treatment is to achieve optimal outcomes while minimizing morbidity and improving quality of life.

Conclusion

Throat carcinoma has undergone significant changes in its presentation, causes, and treatment over the years. Understanding these developments is essential for healthcare providers to provide accurate diagnoses and effective care. By staying up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines, we can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this disease on individuals and society.

References

[3] Hackenberg S. Rare diseases of the larynx, trachea, and thyroid: a review. 2021; Cited by 10

[6] Cohan DM. Treatment of clinically positive (N+) neck disease related to tongue base carcinomas. 2024; Cited by 182

[11] Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). 2024; Cited by 15

Additional Characteristics

  • Throat carcinoma, also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), is a type of cancer that affects the middle part of the pharynx
  • Common symptoms include: Persistent sore throat, Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), Weight loss, Breathing difficulties, Ear pain, Lump or swelling in the neck
  • Throat carcinoma has been linked to several risk factors, including: Smoking and chewing tobacco, Excessive alcohol use, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Treatment options for throat carcinoma have evolved over time. While surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy remain primary treatment modalities

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, also known as laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, can manifest in various ways. While it's essential to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others may exhibit the following signs:

  • Hoarseness: A change in voice tone or pitch, which can be a symptom of throat cancer [10].
  • Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): Trouble swallowing food, liquids, or saliva due to a tumor blocking the airway or esophagus [11].
  • Sore throat: Pain or discomfort in the throat area, which can be a sign of throat cancer [11].
  • Ear pain: Pain or discomfort in the ear, which can be related to throat cancer [11].
  • Lump or sore that doesn't heal: A persistent lump or sore in the neck or throat area, which can be a symptom of throat cancer [10].
  • Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss due to difficulty swallowing or eating [7].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, some people may experience:

  • Painless neck lumps and swollen lymph nodes: A lump or swelling in the neck area, which can be a sign of throat cancer [10].
  • Changes in voice tone or pitch: A change in voice quality due to a tumor affecting the vocal cords [9].
  • Radicular pain: Pain radiating from the spine to other areas of the body, which can be related to nerve compression [9].

Important Note

It's essential to consult a doctor if you experience any new or persistent symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for throat cancer patients.

References:

[7] Unexplained weight loss · Fatigue · Fever · Pain · Skin changes · Change in bowel habits or bladder function · Sores that do not heal · Hoarseness or trouble speaking [9] by H Cocks · 2016 · Cited by 108 — Neurological symptoms and signs. Radicular pain. Limb weakness. Difficulty walking. Sensory loss. Bladder or bowel dysfunction. Signs of caudal equina/spinal ... [10] The most common throat cancer symptoms: painless neck lumps and swollen lymph nodes. Mark and George’s experiences are not unusual. Most people with throat cancer don’t have any symptoms. But when they do, a swollen lymph node or a painless lump in the neck are among the most common. [11] Symptoms. Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include: A cough; Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly; Difficulty swallowing; Ear pain; A lump or sore that doesn't heal; A sore throat; Weight loss; When to see a doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any new signs and symptoms that are persistent.

Additional Symptoms

  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
  • Lump or sore that doesn't heal
  • Painless neck lumps and swollen lymph nodes
  • Changes in voice tone or pitch
  • weight loss
  • hoarseness
  • pain

Diagnostic Tests

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various diagnostic tests used to diagnose and monitor throat cancer, particularly for obsolete or less common types of throat carcinoma.

Historical Diagnostic Methods

  • Nasendoscopy (1) was mentioned as a method used to examine the nose, throat, and voice box. This procedure may have been used in the past to diagnose throat cancer.
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) (8) is another diagnostic modality that has been used to sample cells from lesions.

Imaging Tests

  • Imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) (12, 13) have been used to determine the extent of cancer beyond the surface of the throat or voice box.
  • Ultrasound (13) has also been mentioned as a method to look for signs of oral cancer, such as swollen or abnormally shaped lymph nodes.

Other Diagnostic Methods

  • Panendoscopy (4) was performed in 80.3% of cases to assess the primary lesion and neck.
  • Contrast CT or MRI of the primary lesion and neck (3) is employed for both OCSCC and OPSCC, with CT-PET reserved for advanced disease.

Biomarkers

  • Tumor biomarkers exist in tumor tissues or body fluids such as blood, urine, stool, saliva, and are produced by the tumor or the body's response to the tumor (9). These biomarkers may be used to diagnose and monitor throat cancer.
  • Tests for certain proteins on tumor cells, such as PD-L1 protein (10), might predict if the cancer is more likely to respond to treatment with certain immunotherapy drugs.

It's essential to note that these diagnostic methods may not be relevant or up-to-date for modern throat carcinoma diagnosis. However, they provide historical context and insight into the evolution of diagnostic techniques for this condition.

References: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Ultrasound
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
  • Panendoscopy
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Nasendoscopy
  • Computerized tomography (CT)
  • Contrast CT or MRI of the primary lesion and neck
  • Tumor biomarkers
  • PD-L1 protein

Treatment

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Throat Carcinoma

Throat carcinoma, also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present similarly.

Conditions to Consider:

  • Laryngeal syphilis: This condition can mimic laryngeal cancer, with symptoms such as hoarseness and a sore throat [4].
  • Lymphoma: Lymphomas can cause swelling in the neck, which may be mistaken for a tumor [13].
  • Chronic laryngitis: This condition can lead to persistent hoarseness and throat irritation, making it difficult to distinguish from laryngeal cancer [5].
  • Spindle cell tumors of the larynx: These rare tumors can present with similar symptoms to laryngeal cancer, such as a submucosal mass [8].

Diagnostic Approach:

To accurately diagnose throat carcinoma, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. This may include:

  • A thorough physical examination by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon
  • Imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI scans) to assess the extent of disease
  • Biopsy or fine-needle aspiration cytology to confirm the presence of cancer cells

Key Takeaways:

  • Throat carcinoma can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms.
  • A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present similarly.
  • A comprehensive evaluation by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, including imaging studies and biopsy or fine-needle aspiration cytology, is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

References:

[4] Differentiating Laryngeal Cancer from Laryngeal Syphilis (2019) [5] Diagnosis of Throat Cancer (no specific date) [8] Spindle Cell Tumors of the Larynx (2007) [13] How is Oropharyngeal Cancer Diagnosed? (no specific date)

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