ENT Cancer

Voice Box Cancer / Larynx Cancer

Voice box cancer refers to cancer of the larynx. Like any cancer, it is a serious condition and you need to make sure that it is diagnosed as early as possible to improve your chances on recovery. Voice box cancer is more common in older people than in children, and certain aspects like drinking alcohol and smoking can significantly increase your chances of getting this cancer.

Some of the symptoms of voice box cancer include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the throat, weight loss and shortness of breath. When you do experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s best to make an appointment with your ENT specialist.

Mouth Cancer and Throat Cancer

These cancers have the same risk factors as larynx cancer, i.e. smoking and/or alcohol use.

Mouth cancer might start off as a small ulcer or sore that does not heal. It is usually associated with pain as well, and swellings in the neck (lymph nodes) can develop as the cancer spreads.

Throat cancer can feel like a tonsil infection, and look like one too. It does not get better with antibiotics, and patients will complain of a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Sinus Cancer

Because the symtoms of sinus cancer can initially be the same as sinus infection, these cancers usually get diagnosed when it has progressed some way. Patients can complain of the same things they would for a sinusitis:

• Blocked nose
• Loss of smell
• Runny nose
• Feeling of pressure and pain in the face

If these symptoms get worse despite treatment, or if the nasal discharge becomes bloody, it would be best to book a consultation with an ENT surgeon who would be able to look deep inside your nose with a camera.

For more information about the ENT Cancer conditions, contact Dr Pieter Naudétoday for expert medical advice.