Oral Cancer Detected After Month-Long Throat Sensation

Khaosod•Society•21d ago

Reader Briefing

A man in his 60s was diagnosed with tonsil squamous cell carcinoma after experiencing a persistent sore throat and sensation of a stuck object for over a month, highlighting the importance of timely medical checks for oral cancer.

•A man over 60 experienced a unilateral sore throat and a feeling of a stuck object for over a month, initially mistaking it for a common cold.
•Detailed examination revealed oral cancer, specifically tonsil squamous cell carcinoma.
•Doctors emphasize that early symptoms can mimic the flu, and prolonged, unilateral throat pain, especially with swallowing, warrants immediate medical evaluation.
•The case highlights that oral cancer risk is not limited to smokers or drinkers, as HPV infection is an increasingly significant factor, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers.

Overview

•A man in his 60s experienced a unilateral sore throat and sensation of a foreign object stuck in his throat for over one month.
•The man sought medical treatment due to persistent unilateral throat pain, particularly during swallowing.
•A biopsy was performed, confirming the diagnosis of tonsil squamous cell carcinoma.
•The patient had no history of smoking, alcohol consumption, or family history of cancer, indicating non-traditional risk factors.
•Doctors explain that early oral and pharyngeal cancer symptoms often mimic common cold symptoms.
•Medical professionals urge immediate examination if experiencing prolonged unilateral throat pain for over 2-3 weeks that does not improve with medication.
•Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is identified as a significant and growing cause of oral and oropharyngeal cancers, especially in Europe and the US.
•Early detection of oral cancer through timely screening is crucial, as it significantly improves survival rates and reduces the extent of necessary surgical intervention.

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Key Quotes

Dr. Huang Xuan

"Early symptoms of oral and pharyngeal cancer often strongly resemble the flu. If certain signs appear, one should quickly undergo examination and biopsy to not miss the golden window for treatment."

อาการเริ่มต้นของมะเร็งบริเวณช่องปากและคอหอยมักคล้ายไข้หวัดอย่างมาก หากมีสัญญาณบางอย่างเกิดขึ้น ควรรีบเข้ารับการตรวจและตัดชิ้นเนื้อโดยเร็ว เพื่อไม่ให้พลาดช่วงเวลาทองของการรักษา

Dr. Huang Xuan

"The key to differentiating flu symptoms from cancer is 'duration of symptoms'. Common flu sore throats usually improve within a week, but if unilateral sore throat persists for over 2-3 weeks and doesn't respond to medication, it should no longer be considered just a flu."

จุดสำคัญในการแยกอาการหวัดออกจากมะเร็ง คือ “ระยะเวลาของอาการ” โดยอาการเจ็บคอจากไข้หวัดทั่วไปมักดีขึ้นภายใน 1 สัปดาห์ แต่หากมีอาการเจ็บคอด้านเดียวต่อเนื่องเกิน 2 – 3 สัปดาห์ และไม่ตอบสนองต่อยา ก็ไม่ควรมองว่าเป็นเพียงหวัดอีกต่อไป

Key Entities

Person

Dr. Huang Xuan(นายแพทย์ หวงเซวียน)

A doctor who shared insights and case details regarding oral cancer symptoms and risk factors.