Throat Cancer: The "Kissing Disease" Often Mistaken for a Sore Throat

Throat cancer symptoms are often misdiagnosed as acute pharyngitis, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

A Warning from Actor Quoc Tuan

Renowned British comedian Quoc Tuan, 56, recently opened up about his throat cancer diagnosis. He revealed that he initially mistook his symptoms for a sore throat, warning others not to make the same mistake.

In 2022, Quoc  experienced symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and persistent coughing. Doctors attributed his condition to overuse of his voice due to his profession and prescribed antibiotics. It wasn’t until a tumor was found in his throat that a biopsy confirmed the cancer diagnosis.

Causes of Throat Cancer

The exact cause of throat cancer remains unclear. However, studies suggest a combination of factors:

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): This virus is a primary contributor when combined with genetic predisposition, lifestyle habits, and environmental pollution.
• EBV Overview: Part of the herpes virus family, EBV is one of the most prevalent viruses affecting humans, with 90% of adults worldwide having been exposed to it. Though usually harmless, EBV can trigger conditions such as mononucleosis and is linked to several cancers, including throat cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and gastric cancer.
• Transmission: Often referred to as the "kissing disease," EBV spreads through saliva, including activities like kissing, sharing utensils, or using the same toothbrush.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for EBV, making prevention challenging.

The Prevalence of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer falls under the category of head and neck cancers, the 8th most common cancer type in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK:

• Annually, 12,500 new cases are reported, and this number is rising.
• Approximately 4,000 deaths occur each year due to the disease.

While throat cancer historically affects older individuals, recent trends show a troubling rise in younger patients. Experts attribute this to oral sex, alongside other factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV infections.

Symptoms and Challenges in Diagnosis

Many cancers, including throat cancer, lack noticeable symptoms in the early stages, while others mimic less severe conditions. For example:

• Persistent cough lasting over 100 days is often linked to cancer, but Gilbert advises seeking medical attention for any cough lasting a few weeks.
• Additional symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

A Fight Against Time: Quoc Tuan’s Journey

After his diagnosis, Tuan underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with follow-up visits scheduled every six months. He considers himself lucky to have detected the disease early, achieving remission in May 2024.

A Growing Concern Post-COVID-19

A report from October highlights a near 50% rise in throat cancer fatalities since 2013, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Takeaway: Awareness is Key

Throat cancer is a serious but often preventable disease. Understanding risk factors like EBV, HPV, and lifestyle habits can save lives. If you experience persistent symptoms such as a chronic cough or difficulty swallowing, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection, as Quoc Tuan’s story shows, can make all the difference.

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Nguồn: #AI
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