Posted in: Cancer by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 02 Jan, 2016
What is Tonsil Cancer?
Lymphoid tissue protects the body against any kind of infection. The throat consists of three types of tonsil and they are
• The pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), which is in the back of the throat;
• The palatine tonsils, which is on the sides of the throat; and
• The lingual tonsils, which is on the base of the tongue.
Tonsil Cancer takes place usually in the palatine tonsils, which is on the sides of the throat.
What are the symptoms of Tonsil Cancer?
Some of the symptoms of Tonsil Cancer include:
• Large Tonsil
• Blood in the saliva
• Pain in the mouth
• Difficulty in chewing food and swallowing it
• A continuous sore throat
• Pain in ear
What are the risk factors of Tonsil Cancer?
• People who fall under the age bracket of 50 years or older are more prone to Tonsil Cancer.
• Decreased Immunity
• Exposure to the HP virus, which is also called Human Papilloma Virus
• People with HIV are also prone to Tonsil Cancer
How is Tonsil Cancer diagnosed?
On the occurrence of above symptoms, an ear, nose and throat doctor should be consulted. He examines the area carefully and suggests if a biopsy is needed.
What are the treatment options available?
• Surgery - to take out cancerous tissue
• Chemotherapy - to shrink tumor
• Immunotherapy - to get rid of advanced stage tonsil cancer.