ORAN – Between five and six cases of throat cancer are recorded per week at the level of the medical oncology department of the EHU “November 1, 1954” in Oran, we learned on Sunday from this structure. hospital.
“We receive at the medical oncology department of the EHUO between five and six cases of throat cancer per week. It is a fairly virulent type of cancer,” medical oncologist Prof. Kehili Hakima told APS. at the EHUO, specializing in ENT cancers.
This type of cancer is very virulent and affects many more men than women in the 45-70 age group, due to excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol. “In recent years, we have seen that this type of cancer is increasingly affecting young people,” she said.
The same source explained that early smoking among young people and passive smoking are among the factors that have contributed to the spread of this type of cancer.
Several symptoms can alert to the existence of throat cancer such as unexplained changes in the voice, hoarseness, hoarse voice, enlarged glands, persistent sore throat, painful or difficult swallowing , pain in the ear area, labored breathing, cough sometimes with bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.
Concerning the treatment, Prof. Kehili clarified: “As for all ENT cancers, we use radiotherapy as the first treatment. We have recently also introduced chemotherapy into the management strategy as an accompanying treatment for radiotherapy”.
For this specialist, the problem lies in the fact that no early detection currently exists for this type of cancer. “We should act on the risk factors, stop the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and chewing tobacco,” she advocated.
In the presence of abnormal signs, it is important to consult a doctor so that he can carry out the appropriate examinations and determine the cause of these symptoms, she recommends. She added that smokers and those at risk should be especially alert and seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
