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Throat cancer can be described as a malignant tumor that develops in the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box) or tonsils. This illness can also affect your epiglottis, which is a piece of cartilage covering the windpipe.

Given below are some of the different types of throat cancer that can affect us -

• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer
• Glottic cancer
• Supraglottic cancer
• Subglottic cancer

While anyone can develop throat cancer, the risks are much higher in those who smoke, chew tobacco, drink excessive alcohol or follow a diet that lacks fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there are several options that can be considered in order to treat this condition. In addition to surgery, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy, your doctor may also advise you to undergo chemotherapy for throat cancer.

How does chemotherapy for throat cancer work?

Chemotherapy is a form of treatment in which chemicals are used, to destroy the cancerous cells in the body. The medication used in this therapy may be given on one single day, a few consecutive days or continuously. The duration of the treatment depends entirely on the type and the stage of cancer.

Chemotherapy cycles are defined in monthly intervals and a cycle may be repeated weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

This option is generally combined with other types of cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy, as a few chemotherapy drugs cause the malignant cells to become more sensitive towards radiation therapy. However, undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time may intensify the side effects of both the treatment options.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

While chemotherapy kills off the cancerous cells, it may also have an adverse effect on the natural, healthy cells in your body. Hence, you may experience a few temporary side effects for the duration of the treatment. These include -

• Neutropenia: The production of white blood cells in the bone marrow temporarily decreases due to chemo. This reduces your immunity and makes you prone to catching an infection.
• Increased bruising or bleeding: Clotting of the blood takes place because of the platelets in your body. Chemo drugs reduce platelet production and because of that, you may suffer from problems like excessive bleeding, unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, skin rashes and blood spots.
• Anemia: The reduction of red blood cells in your body because of chemotherapy may cause you to feel weak, tired and breathless frequently.
• Appetite loss: Most people undergoing chemotherapy suffer from nausea and vomiting, because of which they tend to lose their appetite. Doctors try to control this side effect by prescribing anti-sickness or anti-emetic drugs. Unfortunately, chemo may also dull your sense of taste, due to which your food may taste metallic or chalky.
• Hair loss: Some of the chemo therapy medication may cause your hair to fall out. The loss of hair may be complete or partial; you may also just notice some thinning in the volume of your hair. Once the chemotherapy is over, your hair should return to normal within 3 to 6 months.
• Dry mouth: Chemotherapy dries up the saliva glands and the reduced saliva production causes your lips and mouth to become excessively dry. You could combat this problem by increasing your consumption of water or sucking on ice chips every few hours. Once the treatment is over, this side effect should subside.
• Mouth pain: While undergoing chemotherapy your mouth (as well as your throat) may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods. The tenderness in your mouth will make it more difficult for you to chew and swallow.
• Stomatitis: The chemicals used in chemo often leads to the development of sores in the throat as well as the mouth. You may also notice symptoms like white spots and bleeding in the mouth, tongue and throat.

Some of the problems mentioned above can be avoided or at least minimized with the help of medication, home remedies or lifestyle changes. Speak to your doctor if any of these chemotherapy side effects seem unbearable.

References

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-and-throat-cancer/DS00349/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs