Throat cancer begins when healthy cells in the throat undergo changes due to genetic mutations. These changes cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours. As these tumours grow, they can invade nearby tissues and, in advanced cases, spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Throat Cancer Specialist in Singapoore
Throat cancer is a type of cancer that affects the structures of the throat, impacting functions such as breathing, speaking, and swallowing.
It can develop in various areas, including the voice box and the upper throat near the nasal cavity. Early detection and treatment are necessary for improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Dr Gan Eng Cern
MBBS
MRCS (Edin)
mmed (orl)
FAMS
How Throat Cancer Develops
Symptoms of Throat Cancer
Identifying the symptoms of throat cancer early can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent Sore Throat or Cough: These symptoms lasting beyond three weeks warrant medical attention, particularly when unresponsive to standard treatments.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Progressive difficulty in swallowing solid foods or liquids, often accompanied by a sensation of food sticking in the throat.
- Changes in Voice: Persistent hoarseness or voice alterations lasting more than three weeks, potentially indicating laryngeal involvement.
- Lump in the Neck or Throat: Development of visible or palpable masses in the neck region, which may indicate primary tumour growth or lymph node involvement.
- Ear Pain: Referred pain to the ears, particularly when swallowing, can signal cancer in specific throat regions.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Unintentional weight reduction over several months, often resulting from reduced food intake due to swallowing difficulties.
Causes and Risk Factors
Multiple factors contribute to throat cancer development, with some being modifiable through lifestyle changes.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Combined consumption of tobacco and alcohol creates a synergistic effect that significantly increases cancer risk. Tobacco smoke directly damages throat tissue cells, while alcohol enhances the absorption of harmful chemicals.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: This viral infection, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, leads to cellular changes that can progress to cancer. The infection often occurs years before cancer development.
Environmental Toxins: Regular exposure to industrial chemicals, asbestos, or other workplace pollutants can damage throat tissues over time. Proper protective equipment and ventilation help reduce exposure risks.
Family History and Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to throat cancer. Individuals with affected first-degree relatives may benefit from earlier screening.
Types of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer can be categorised into two main groups: pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer. Identifying these types is necessary for effective treatment.
Pharyngeal Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Develops in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. This type often presents with nasal symptoms and may affect hearing due to its proximity to the ear structures.
- Oropharyngeal Cancer: Occurs in the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, tonsils, and base of the tongue. HPV infection frequently associates with this type, particularly affecting younger populations.
- Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Forms in the bottom part of the throat, near the oesophagus. This variant typically presents at later stages due to its location and subtle initial symptoms.
Laryngeal Cancer
This type develops in the voice box or larynx, affecting the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. Its location can significantly impact breathing and speech functions, often requiring specialised treatment approaches to preserve voice quality.
Diagnosis of Throat Cancer
Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation using multiple diagnostic tools and techniques.
- Physical Examination: A thorough ENT specialist examination of the throat is performed using specialised instruments to identify suspicious areas and assess tissue changes. This includes checking lymph nodes and evaluating swallowing function.
- Medical History Review: A thorough review of symptoms, risk factors, and previous medical conditions helps determine appropriate diagnostic tests and potential treatment approaches.
- Imaging Studies: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the throat and surrounding structures, revealing tumour size and spread. MRI scans offer superior soft tissue detail, helping identify tumour boundaries and involvement of nearby structures. PET scans detect areas of high metabolic activity, indicating potential cancer sites and metastases.
- Biopsy and Laboratory Tests: Tissue sampling through biopsy confirms cancer presence and type, guiding treatment decisions. Additional blood tests assess overall health status and organ function before treatment initiation.
Treatment Options for Throat Cancer
Treatment selection depends on cancer stage, location, and patient factors, often combining multiple approaches for optimal outcomes.
Non-surgical Treatment
- Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation delivers precise doses to cancer sites while minimising damage to healthy tissues. Treatment sessions typically occur daily over several weeks, targeting both primary tumours and involved lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic drugs eliminate cancer cells throughout the body, either alone or combined with radiation. Different drug combinations target specific cancer types and stages, administered in cycles to allow recovery between treatments.
- Targeted Therapy: Molecular-targeted drugs focus on specific cancer cell characteristics, reducing impact on healthy cells. These treatments often supplement traditional approaches, particularly for advanced cases.
Surgical Treatment
- Endoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique targets early-stage throat cancers through the mouth using specialised instruments and a microscope. The surgeon removes tumours without external incisions, preserving healthy tissue and enabling faster recovery. This approach suits small, accessible tumours and helps maintain normal swallowing and speech functions.
- Partial Laryngectomy: This procedure removes the affected portion of the voice box while preserving tissue for breathing, speaking, and swallowing. The surgeon removes specific sections depending on tumour location, such as part of the vocal cords or cartilage. Recovery involves speech therapy to optimise remaining function, though voice quality may change.
- Total Laryngectomy: This procedure removes the entire voice box when cancer has extensively involved the larynx. The ENT surgeon creates a permanent neck opening (stoma) for breathing and separates the airway from the mouth and food passage. Patients learn alternative speaking methods, such as oesophageal speech or artificial voice devices.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Surgical reconstruction restores throat function and appearance through tissue transfer techniques. Surgeons may use tissue from other body parts with their blood vessels, utilise nearby tissue, or employ artificial devices to support speaking and swallowing functions.
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Prevention and Management
Preventing throat cancer involves addressing modifiable risk factors and regular health monitoring. Key strategies for risk reduction include quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding workplace toxins. HPV vaccination is recommended for eligible individuals, and maintaining good oral hygiene can also help. After treatment, patients should have regular follow-up appointments, which often include speech and swallowing therapy. Nutritional guidance helps maintain strength during recovery.
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved
Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can throat cancer affect my ability to speak or eat permanently?
Yes, throat cancer can impact your ability to speak or eat, especially after significant surgeries like a total laryngectomy, which may result in loss of natural voice. Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can also occur due to surgery or radiation. While many patients can improve function with therapy, some may experience permanent changes.
How long does it typically take to recover from throat cancer surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and individual factors. Initial healing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, but full recovery, including regaining speech and swallowing functions, can take several weeks to months. For less extensive surgeries, patients may return to normal function within 2 to 3 weeks, while more complex procedures may require longer rehabilitation.
Can throat cancer return after successful treatment?
Yes, throat cancer can recur after treatment. The risk of recurrence depends on factors like the stage at diagnosis; later-stage cancers have a higher likelihood of returning. Recurrence rates can be as high as 30% for stage 2 disease and up to 50% within five years for later stages.
Dr Gan Eng Cern
MBBS
MRCS (Edin)
mmed (orl)
FAMS
With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.
Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.
- 2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
- 2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
- 2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)
- 2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
- 2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
- 2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
- 2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award
Qualifications
- MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
- MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
- FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore
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