Throat cancer may refer to: Head and neck cancer, a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx

What are the Signs and symptoms of throat Cancer? A cough

Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness

Difficulty swallowing

Ear pain

A lump or sore that doesn't heal

A sore throat

Weight loss

What are different Tests and diagnosis for throat Cancer? Using a scope to get a closer look at your throat. Your doctor may use a special lighted

scope (endoscope) to get a close look at your throat during a procedure called endoscopy. A tiny

camera at the end of the endoscope transmits images to a video screen that your doctor watches

for signs of abnormalities in your throat. Another type of scope (laryngoscope) can be inserted in

your voice box. It uses a magnifying lens to help your doctor examine your vocal cords. This

procedure is called laryngoscopy.

Removing a tissue sample for testing. If abnormalities are found during endoscopy or

laryngoscopy, your doctor can pass surgical instruments through the scope to collect a tissue

sample (biopsy). The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

Imaging tests. Imaging tests, including X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), may help your doctor determine the extent of your cancer beyond the surface of your throat or voice box.

What are the medicine and treatment for Throat Cancer? Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles,

such as X-rays, to deliver radiation to the

cancer cells, causing them to die. Radiation

therapy can come from a large machine

outside your body (external beam radiation).

Surgery The types of surgical procedures you may consider to treat your throat cancer depend on the location and stage of your cancer. Surgery for early-stage throat cancer.

Throat cancer that is confined to the surface of the throat or the vocal cords may be treated surgically using endoscopy. Your doctor may insert a hollow endoscope into your throat or voice box and then pass special surgical tools

or a laser through the scope. Using these tools, your doctor can scrape off, cut out or, in

the case of the laser, vaporize very superficial cancers. Surgery to remove all or part of the voice box (laryngectomy). For smaller tumors, your doctor may remove the part of your voice box that is affected by cancer, leaving as much of the voice box as possible. Your doctor may be able to preserve your ability to speak and

breathe normally. For larger, more extensive tumors, it may be necessary to remove your entire voice box. Your windpipe is then attached to a hole (stoma) in your throat to allow you to breathe (tracheotomy).

If your entire larynx is removed, you have several options for restoring your

speech. You can work with a speech pathologist to learn to speak without your voice box.

Surgery to remove all or part of the throat (pharyngectomy). Smaller throat cancers may require removing only part of your throat during surgery. Parts that are removed may be reconstructed in order to allow you to swallow food normally. Surgery to remove your entire throat usually includes removal of your voice box as well. Your doctor may be able to reconstruct your throat to allow you to

swallow food. Surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes (neck dissection). If throat cancer has spread deep within your neck, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove some or all of the lymph nodes to see if they contain cancer cells. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection. Other possible complications, such as difficulty speaking or swallowing, will depend on the specific procedure you undergo.

What is the Rehabilitation after Treatment? Treatment for throat cancer often causes complications that may require working with specialists to regain the ability to swallow, eat solid foods and talk. During and after throat cancer treatment, your doctor may have you seek help for:

Caring for a surgical opening in your throat (stoma) if you had a tracheotomy

Difficulty eating

Difficulty swallowing

Stiffness and pain in your neck

Speech problems

What information ICCN may provide? Help cancer patient with information about cancer care such as a) Treatment, b) Travelling, c) Hospital cost etc.

Help providers (Doctors/Local Hospitals) to better manage patient’s electronic health record. Also share electron ic

health record as and when necessary among doctors.

Post treatment help like video-conferencing with doctor and hospital as and when necessary with collaboration with NIC

and local cancer care provider across the country. Patients need not to travel all the way to hospitals wherever

possible.

ICCN runs and help to run a discussion forum for providers and patients

ICCN also can help providers to create electronic patients database for better management.

ICCN are building a knowledge repository of cancer related topics and resource