Throat cancer cases are increasing among women. Particularly because of papillomavirus infections and smoking.
February 4 is dedicated to World Cancer Day. On this occasion, we offer you a focus on the throat cancer at the women. Or rather the “cancer of the oropharynx” as we should call it “since malignant cancer cells can develop in the posterior part of the mouthat the level of tonsils, from the base of the language or velum”, Dr Philippe Zrounba, ENT surgeon, immediately explains to us. Several risk factors can contribute to its development, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Over the past twenty years, a link has also been linked between certain ENT cancers and infection. to human papillomavirus (Human papillomavirus or HPV). Of nearly 5,000 new cases of oropharyngeal cancer per year, 35% would be linked to HPV (mainly types 16 and 18). This new risk factor results in a slight increase in the number of women affected by oropharyngeal cancer. While the number of men affected remains constant.
A lump (sometimes the size of a tangerine) in the neck
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer in women can vary depending on the exact location of the cancer. “One of the first symptoms is the presence of‘a palpable mass in the neckwho can be a sign of swollen lymph nodes due to cancer. This mass, which can go up to the size of a tangerine can also be seen visually“, illustrates our interlocutor.
Pain when swallowing
The other symptoms are related to the oral cavity. “This could be, for example, pain or discomfort when swallowing. This symptom is often one-sided and continues for more than a week or so, unlike the pain linked to pharyngitis (bilateral and which passes in a few days)”, he continues.
Problems articulating when cancer affects the tongue
Women with oropharyngeal cancer may also have difficulty articulating or swallowing, especially when the cancer affects the tongue. “They may also have difficulty opening the jaw due to deep muscle damage.“, he explains.
Ear pain without infection
Persistent ear pain (otalgia), which does not appear to be related to infection or other obvious causes, may be an additional symptom.
Sudden weight loss
Finally, unintentional and unexplained weight loss may be associated with certain cancers, including those of the throat. But this symptom is not specific to cancers.
If in doubt, a biopsy is necessary.
Diagnosing throat cancer in women usually involves medical tests. : the first is biopsy (under general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis) which allows the presence of cancer cells to be confirmed. Then, imaging tests (cervico-thoracic CT scan or cervical MRI) may be requested for categorize the tumor (and its possible locations). Treatment is adapted according to the stage and location of the cancer. “For small tumors, treatment will be either surgery alone or radiotherapy alone. For larger tumors or those linked to HPV, radiotherapy/chemotherapy or surgery/radiotherapy/chemotherapy will be combined.. This cancer does not metastasize too frequently. In case of metastases, the lungs, bones or liver are affected“, concludes the doctor.