Tonsils (tonsils) are lymphoid tissues on both sides of the throat and serve as part of the immune system. Tonsils, which assume the task of protecting the body against infections and harmful microorganisms, may become a region where cancer cells develop in some cases. Tonsil cancer is a disease that enters the head and neck cancers group. It usually develops in the type of squamous cell carcinoma (flat cell cancer).
What is Tonsil (Tonsil) Cancer?
This disease is one of the most common cancers in the head and neck region. It usually develops on the surface or deep tissues of the tonsils or deep tissues in the back of the throat. In most cases it may spread to the surrounding tissues. The most common symptoms of swallowing, unilateral tonsil growth and swelling of the neck may occur among the most common symptoms.
HPV (human papilloma virus) infections have been associated with this type of cancer in recent years. Tonsil cancer can be treated with surgical intervention or radiotherapy when diagnosed at an early stage. In advanced stages, additional treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be needed.
What are the symptoms of tonsil (tonsil) cancer?
Tonsil cancer may not be symptoms in early stages or may be confused with common diseases such as colds and throat infections. However, as the disease progresses, significant symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, sore throat and swelling of the neck begin to emerge. Unilateral, non -passing tonsil growth or non -healing wounds may be one of the important signs of tonsil cancer. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may develop such as difficulty speech, bloody sputum and ear pain. Symptoms of tonsil cancer are as follows:
- Long -lasting and non -passing sore throat: It can be more severe especially on one side.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): There may be difficulty in swallowing solid and liquid foods.
- Swelling or hand -handed mass in neck: It occurs due to the growth of the lymph nodes.
- Significant and unilateral growth in the tonsils: Unlike normal tonsil growth, it can be painful and asymmetrical.
- Sound changes and disorder in speech: May occur especially in later stages.
- Ear pain (otalgia): Pain that hit the ear due to the affect of the nerves in the throat may occur.
- Wounds that do not heal in the mouth or tonsils: It can be covered with bleeding and white plaques.
- Bad bad breath: Bad breath may develop due to infection or tumor.
- Unexplained weight loss and anorexia: It is one of the common symptoms in advanced stages.
- Bloody sputum or oral bleeding: It can be observed in progressive cancer cases.
If these symptoms continue for a long time or get worse, the patient should consult a otorhinolaryngology (ENT) specialist. Early diagnosis may increase treatment success and prevent the progression of the disease.
Causes of Tonsil (Tonsil) Cancer
Tonsil cancer may develop as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The reasons that are seen as effective in cancer development can be detailed as follows:
- HPV infection: High -risk species such as HPV 16 and 18 are associated with tonsil cancer.
- Bad oral hygiene and dental health problems: Intra -oral infections and bacterial imbalances may increase the risk.
- Weakening of the immune system: It is more common in HIV/AIDS patients and individuals who are suppressed after organ transplantation.
- Genetic predisposition: The risk is higher in the family with a history of head and neck cancer.
- Unbalanced nutrition and vitamin deficiencies: Inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption can weaken the immune system.
- Exposure to long -term environmental toxins: Chemicals, air pollution and harmful gases may play a role in the development of the disease.
- Age and gender: Although it is more common in men over 50 years of age, cases of HPV may also occur in young adults.
It is of great importance to have HPV vaccine, to pay attention to regular tooth and oral hygiene and to obtain nutritional habits that strengthen the immune system to prevent tonsil cancer.
How is tonsil (tonsil) cancer diagnosed?
First of all, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints and examines the throat, tonsils and lymph nodes. If an abnormal growth, color change or non -healing wound is detected, detailed tests are requested. Endoscopic examination is used to assess the location and spread of the tumor. Biopsy is the most accurate diagnostic method made to determine the presence of cancer cells by taking samples from suspicious tissue. In addition, imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), IT (computerized tomography) and pet scanning are used to see the degree of spread of the disease. HPV test and genetic examinations can be performed for HPV -related tonsils. In order to understand the stage and spread of the disease, blood tests and lymph nodes are evaluated and an appropriate treatment plan is created.
What are the stages of tonsil (tonsil) cancer?
Depending on the size and spread of the tumor, it is classified from 0 to stage 4. In early stages, the disease can only spread to lymph nodes and other organs in advanced stages, while limited only to tonsils. The stages of tonsil cancer are as follows:
- Stage 0: Cancer cells are still on the surface and not spread. It can be completely treated if it is diagnosed early.
- Stage 1: The tumor is less than 2 cm and remains in tonsil tissue. It is not spread to lymph nodes or other regions.
- Stage 2: The tumor is between 2-4 cm but is still limited to the tonsil area. It has not spread to nearby tissues.
- Stage 3: The tumor may be larger than 4 cm or spread to nearby lymph nodes. Tumors in the lymph nodes are less than 3 cm.
- Stage 4a: Cancer is spread to the base of the mouth, tongue root or nearby muscle tissues. Tumors in the lymph nodes can be up to 6 cm.
- Stage 4b: The cancer is spread to deeper tissues and large blood vessels in the neck. Treatment can be more difficult.
- Stage 4c: Cancer metastasis to lungs, bones or distant organs. Advanced level and treatment options are limited.
After determining the stage of the disease, appropriate treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy are determined and the best treatment plan is created for the patient. Early diagnosis greatly increases the control of the disease and the success of treatment.
How is tonsil (tonsil) cancer treated?
Treatment of tonsil cancer is planned depending on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor and its spread. In early stages, if the tumor is limited to only the tonsil region, cancerous tissues can be removed by surgical intervention. In medium and advanced stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are applied in addition to surgery. Radiotherapy is used to eliminate cancer cells and ensure that the tumor shrinks. Chemotherapy is usually administered in advanced stages or metastasis. In patients with HPV positive tonsil cancer, treatments that strengthen the immune system such as immunotherapy may be more effective. Nutritional support, speech therapy and lifestyle changes in the treatment process of patients are of great importance.
