What are the various types of throat cancer treatments?

Once throat cancer gets diagnosed, the next step is to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. Knowing the stage helps fix your treatment options. 

Surgery: Your throat cancer surgery depends on the location and stage of your cancer.

Pharyngectomy:Pharyngectomy is the removal of part of the pharynx. It is done to treat small throat cancers. Parts that get removed will be reconstructed in order to allow you to swallow food normally.

Laryngectomy:Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus. There are two types of Laryngectomy surgeries:

Total Laryngectomy: In this type of Laryngectomy the whole larynx (voice box) gets removed. A permanent stoma(tracheostomy) is created to allow breathing. 

Partial Laryngectomy: In this type of Laryngectomy a part of the larynx (voicebox) gets removed. A temporary stoma (tracheostomy) is placed to allow breathing, which gets removed at a later time.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a procedure that uses high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. There are several different types of radiation therapy:

• External-beam radiation therapy. This is the most common type of radiation treatment and is given from a machine outside the body.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy. This is when radiation treatment is given using a probe in the operating room.
• Brachytherapy. This type of radiation therapy is given by placing radioactive sources into the tumor.

Learn more about Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy:Chemotherapy is a procedure that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by ending the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Learn more about Chemotherapy

What can you expect after throat cancer treatment?

When your throat cancer treatment ends, your doctor will want to monitor your health closely. You will have a tracheostomy in place, which means the air going into your lungs will be dryer and cooler. This may irritate the lining of your breathing tubes and cause thick or crusty mucus to build up. You need to learn how to suction out and clean your tracheostomy to help keep your airway open. You may experience trouble while swallowing with dry mouth, or even loss of teeth. A team of doctors and nutritionists may work with you to help you manage your nutritional needs in case you are not able to eat properly.