Head & Neck Cancer Treatments in Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Generally, head and neck cancers are preventable because they are usually cause by tobacco use and alcohol consumption. However, they shouldn’t be ruled out because if caught early, it’s generally curable. If you have these symptoms, contact Dr. Lupco for an appointment right away:
- Painful swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Ear pain
- A lump in the neck that is present for more than two weeks
- A growth in the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth, throat, or nose
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Hypopharyngeal cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells develop at the bottom part of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx starts behind the nasal cavity and ends at the top of the trachea and esophagus. Generally, hypopharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, or thin cells that line the inside of an organ, in this case, the throat.
Unfortunately, this cancer is usually found in later stages because there are no early symptoms. General symptoms include a constant sore throat, ear pain and a lump in the neck. Hypopharyngeal cancer is diagnosed through MRIs, CT scans, and x-rays. Treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer starts with surgery to remove the malignant tissue, then radiation or chemotherapy treatment to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the larynx. The larynx is part of the throat that lies between the tongue and the trachea. The larynx is where you can find your vocal chords, as well as made up with three parts: supraglottis (above the vocal chords), glottis (vocal chords), and subglottis (below vocal chords).
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer are similar to hypopharyngeal cancer, including constant sore throat, ear pain, a lump in the neck, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. This can be diagnosed through many tests, such as physical exams, MRIs, CT scans, x-rays. Treatment of laryngeal cancer starts with surgery to remove the malignant tissue, then radiation or chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
If you’d like to prevent several head and neck cancers, avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco products. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact Dr. Lapco today to set up an appointment. Dr. Lapco’s Pompano Beach office is located in Broward County just 10 miles from Coral Springs and 12 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
