Throat Cancer
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Throat cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pharynx, larynx, or tonsils. The pharynx is the tube that connects the back of the nose to the top of the esophagus, the larynx is the voice box, and the tonsils are located in the back of the throat. Throat cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early and treated promptly.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Throat cancer is primarily caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the throat. This abnormal growth can be caused by a variety of factors, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain viruses like HPV (human papillomavirus).
Other risk factors for developing throat cancer include poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, and exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos and sulfuric acid. In addition, men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of throat cancer can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:
A persistent sore throat
Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
Hoarseness or a change in voice
A lump or swelling in the neck
Persistent coughing or coughing up blood
Ear pain or hearing loss
Complications:
If left untreated, throat cancer can lead to serious complications, including difficulty breathing, malnutrition, and even death. In addition, treatment for throat cancer can also lead to complications, such as difficulty swallowing and changes in speech.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent throat cancer is to avoid risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene and practicing safe sex can also help reduce the risk of developing throat cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment for throat cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of treatment will depend on the location and stage of the cancer.
In some cases, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure may be used to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. However, these therapies should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
Oriental Medicine:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other holistic therapies. According to TCM, throat cancer is caused by a disruption in the flow of Qi, or vital energy, in the body.
Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, is believed to help restore the flow of Qi and promote healing. In addition, Chinese herbs may also be used to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
While there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of TCM for treating throat cancer, some studies have shown promising results. However, it is important to note that TCM should only be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, throat cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. By avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking medical attention for any persistent symptoms, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing throat cancer. While alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure may help manage symptoms, they should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
References:
American Cancer Society. (2022). What is throat cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/throat-cancer/about/what-is-throat-cancer.html
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Throat Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/throat
Wang, L. Z., Zhang, Z. J., & Zhao, Y. (2013). Traditional Chinese medicine for treating throat cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (5),