Stage 4 Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, also known as the pharyngeal cancer, is one type of cancer that usually starts at the three areas of pharynx namely nasopharynx, hypopahrynx, and oropharynx. Throat cancer is usually common among men than in women. The main causes of throat cancer are cigarette smoking and severe alcohol drinking. People with family history of cancer -- those suffering from vitamin A deficiency, and those infected with human papillomavirus are also at risk.

So how would one know if he has throat cancer? The symptoms of throat cancer includes lump or sore that does not heal, unresolved cough, sore throat, difficulty of swallowing and changes in voice. If the aforementioned does not heal on its own or with the help of any medicine and are always present every now and then, better consult a doctor to prevent further health related problems.

Throat cancer has four stages and they are categorized according to its severity. The first stage of cancer is usually considered as the early stage wherein the cancer cells are not yet spread and the tumour is not yet enlarged. This is usually curable and controllable. The second stage is still considered as an early stage; however the cancer or the tumour has grown up to two inches. The prognosis at this stage is still good because the cancer cells are still are contained locally.

It will be considered a stage three throat cancer if the tumour has grown for more than two inches and it spread up to the lymph on the neck. Some still consider it as an early stage however, more advanced. Surgery is needed to remove the tumour and as well as chemotherapy because it is already in advance stage.

Stage 4 throat cancer is the last stage wherein the tumour has grown much larger and it metastasizes to other part of the neck. The lymph nodes on both side of the neck could be affected.

In stage 4 throat cancer the cancer cell has metastasized to different part of the neck and will soon go down the stomach or up to the head. Stage 4 throat cancer survival rate is only 30% because the cancer cells are growing and spreading fast. Advance chemotherapy and radiation therapy are suggested on this stage to try controlling the cancer cells and to prolong the life on the affected individual.

Surgery to remove the tumour or in the affected organ can also be done to somehow control the disease. But the hope of a successful stage 4 throat cancer prognosis is still there. Any stage of cancer is still reversible. The treatment actually depends on the response of the affected body because most of the treatment and therapy are actually effective.

In treating stage 4 throat cancer, the person, the medical team and the family should be aggressive. It is a fact that this is the final stage, so the support of all the people around the affected person is very much needed. Cancer can kill an individual but detecting it early may resolve the issue. On top of this, proper diet and a healthy living is necessary to avoid circumstances like cancer.