Page 22 - KootenaiHealth

A: More people are talking about these cancers

because high-profle celebrities have had this diagnosis. These cancers are almost always in the oro-pharynx, which includes the tonsils and the back part (base) of the tongue. Typically, these are not in the voice box or the front part of your tongue (what you can see in a mirror).

W h a t k i n d o f s y m p t o m s

w o u l d H P V - r e l a t e d o r o p h a r y n x h e a d a n d n e c k c a n c e r c a u s e ? Often a symptom of this cancer is a lump in the neck caused by the spread of the cancer to the neck. This is commonly the frst way the cancer is detected. The throat symptoms are typically dysphagia (problems swallow-ing), otalgia (ear pain), odynophagia (pain swallowing) and a voice that sounds muffed. Typically symptoms will last for several months. Unexpected and unintended weight loss can also occur.

H o w c o m m o n i s t h i s ?

According to researchers, in 2004 there were 4,000 to 4,500 cases of HPV-related oropharynx cancer in men and women. The number of cases is expected to double to about 8,500 by 2020, with much of this increase occur-ring in men. It is the fastest-growing segment of throat cancer and a worrisome public health issue.

H o w d o p e o p l e g e t t h i s ?

The human papillomavirus is transmitted by direct con-tact. It is a sexually transmitted disease. After exposure it can, in some situations, cause cells to mutate into cancer.

W h a t s h o u l d I d o i f I a m w o r r i e d I h av e t h i s ?

An evaluation by your primary doctor would be the frst step. A screening examination for head and neck cancer can always be obtained from an ear, nose and throat physician.

W h a t c a n I d o t o p r e v e n t t h i s c a n c e r i n m y s e l f o r m y c h i l d r e n ?

Fortunately Gardasil, a vaccine against HPV, was ap-proved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in females in 2006 and males in 2009. It has been approved for prevention of cervical and anal cancers and would also prevent oropharyngeal cancer. Unfortunately it would not protect someone who has already been ex-posed to the human papillomavirus earlier in their life.

H o w i s t h i s t r e a t e d ?

The initial diagnosis is often by operative biopsy in the clinic or operating room. The standard treatment regimens involve chemotherapy and radiation to the throat. New research, however, is demonstrating that minimally inva-sive robotic surgical techniques can be used to reduce the short-term and long-term side effects of chemotherapy

and decrease overall radiation dosage. Fortunately, patients with this serious cancer have an excellent chance of cure.

Q: I have read about the increase in throat cancer in nonsmokers. What is that related to?

D i s c o v e r

Go to KootenaiHealth.org . Under “Health Re-sources,” select “A-Z Health Library.” Choose “Ear, Nose and Throat” from the menu.