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Supraglottic Cancer Myths vs Facts
By Raveena M Prakash
Supraglottic cancer is a type of throat cancer that generally affects the upper part of the voice box. The symptoms of supraglottic cancer can appear mild, subtle and easily mistaken as a common throat problem, additionally many misconceptions and myths often lead to delaying the cancer diagnosis and delayed treatments and causing unnecessary fear in patients and their families.
In this article, we’ll discover myths and facts about this cancer and help you to understand why early diagnosis matters and know when to take necessary medical care.
What is Supraglottic Cancer?
The larynx, commonly referred to as the voice box, plays a vital role in breathing, swallowing foods and speaking.
It is divided into three parts, including:
- Supraglottis: The upper part of the voice box, it includes the structures like the epiglottis.
- Glottis: The middle part containing the vocal cords.
- Subglottis: The lower part of the voice box (larynx).
Supraglottic cancer develops in the upper portion of the larynx, above the vocal cords. It may involve the epiglottis, false vocal cords, or surrounding tissues. These do not initially affect the vocal cords; early symptoms can be easy to ignore or overlook.
Myths 1: Supraglottic cancer only affects in smokers
Fact
Smoking is considered as a significant contributor to developing throat cancer. However, the supraglottic cancer can develop into non-smokers as well.
The other risk factors including:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus infection
- Poor nutrition and diet
- Long term acid reflux
- Exposure to an environmental chemicals or workplace toxin
Anyone often faced with constant throat symptoms should seek an immediate medical evaluation, regardless of their smoking history.
Myth 2: Hoarseness is always the first symptom
Fact:
Many other vocal cord cancers, such as supraglottic cancer, won’t show any specific symptoms in the beginning of the cancer, such as early voice changes.
Common early symptoms may include:
- Constant sore throat
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing foods
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Ear pain
- Swelling or lump in the throat
According to many experts, all of these symptoms start to resemble the infections of reflux, and they are often treated late because of delayed cancer diagnosis.
Myth 3: Suproglottic cancer is always diagnosed at late stages
Fact:
In most cases, these cancers get detected in their late stages because of negligence or ignorance of considering it as a sign of any less serious health conditions like flu or cold, while early diagnosis is also absolutely possible.
If you start to experience any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks, then consider consulting an ENT specialist immediately.
A medical evaluation, especially when symptoms last longer than two or three weeks, can lead to early diagnosis and more effective and timely treatments.
Myth 4: All throat cancers are the same
Fact
Throat cancers vary depending on their exact location and behaviour of their cancer. The supraglottic cancers mainly differs from other types of laryngeal cancers including:
- The chance of spreading into the lymph nodes
- Impact of swallowing and speaking in patients
- Its symptom patterns
- Treatment options to cure the disease
That’s why an accurate diagnosis and staging are considered essential to understand the extent of cancer growth and how it affects the treatment outcomes.
Myth 5: Performing surgery might lose your voice
Fact
Modern cancer treatment focuses on preserving the function of speech and swallowing of a patient whenever possible. According to many cancer specialists, depending on the stage and location,
Treatment options may include:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Minimally invasive or partial surgical procedures
With an early diagnosis and timely treatments, many patients retain their ability to speak and swallow functions.
Myth 6: Supraglottic cancer is always dangerous
Fact:
Supraglottic cancer is highly treatable and manageable when diagnosed and treated in its early stages. If this cancer gets treated in its early stages, this cancer is not fatal. Most cases that get effective and timely treatments tend to have successful outcomes.
While the survival basically depends on:
- Patient’s stage of cancer
- Overall health condition of a patients
- Response to various treatments
- Access to specialised cancer care
Many patients who get timely treatments live long, meaningful lives after completing their treatments.
Myth 7: If symptoms improved, cancer gets ruled out
Fact:
Patients witnessing temporary improvements does not always mean the cancer is gone permanently. Many cancer specialists suggest that, patients with these cancers, there are chances of fluctuating symptoms, especially in the initial stages.
If the symptoms start to recur or continue, or if any treatments may not seem effective, then patients may need to go for an immediate medical evaluation, even when the initial treatments seem helpful and relieve them from any major symptoms.
Myth 8: Treatments ends when therapy is completed
Fact
Cancer care often continues even after completing major treatments. According to many cancer specialists, the follow-up care and regular cancer screenings will also continue accordingly.
The follow-up care include:
- Regular medical examinations
- Speech and swallowing therapy
- Nutritional support
- Emotional and psychological care
Patients who have completed the active cancer treatments for this condition, helps to detect recurrence early and manage long-term side effects.
When to consult a doctor
Early diagnosis and awareness about this cancer make a huge difference in the treatment outcomes. You should consult an ENT specialist. If you experience any of these symptoms that last 2-3 weeks or worsen over time, then seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms may include:
- Constant sore throat
- Experiencing pain while swallowing foods
- A constant feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Ear pain, especially on one side
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing
- Frequent coughing
- Choking while eating or drinking
Consult Today
Supraglottic cancer is often mistaken due to several myths associated with throat cancer. Understanding all of these myths and facts will make the patients and caregivers take an immediate medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and taking proper treatment and care can make a huge difference in the treatment outcomes and gain extreme confidence.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The supraglottic cancer is a type of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that starts in the flat cells lining in the upper part of the voice box.
The major symptoms of these cancers may include pain or difficulty while swallowing foods, lump in the neck, constant ear pain, voice changes or trouble in speaking.
Some of the risk factors of this condition may include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and genetics and environmental factors.
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