What does squamous cell carcinoma look like. Tonsil cancer photo initial stage

Cancer of the tonsils is most often expressed in the formation of lymphoma on their surface. Usually lymphoma develops from lymphatic cells located in the wall of the tonsils, as well as in the anterior and posterior arch of the tonsils. In case of development malignant neoplasm not only the tonsils, but also the pharynx suffer from the tumor. The pharynx is a continuation of the nose and mouth. This is a muscular tube that runs down the entire neck and is responsible for the passage of both air (to the larynx, trachea and lungs) and food (to the esophagus and stomach). The paths for food and air intersect at the pharynx. Besides, ear canal starts at the top of the throat.

The walls of the pharynx are composed of muscle fibers covered with a mucous membrane. The pharynx is divided into three various areas based on anatomical location: nasopharynx (behind the nose); oropharynx (behind the mouth) and hypopharynx (behind the larynx). The tonsils form a kind of ring at the back of the tongue. They consist of lymphoid tissue. The tonsil region consists of the lingual tonsil at the back of the tongue, the palatine tonsils, and the tonsils of the pharynx. The lymphoid tissue of which they are composed usually acts as a kind of barrier against infection.

Cancer of the tonsils is the second most common localization of extranoid (outside lymph nodes) malignant neoplasms. Lymphoma of the head and neck leads the list of similar tumors after cancerous tumors gastrointestinal tract. Usually the disease is found in patients after 40 years, with men getting sick a little more often than women.

Geographical evidence suggests that throat cancers are common throughout the world, but their causes may vary depending on exposure factors. For example, Burkitt's lymphoma is more common in the African continent.

Risk factors that increase your chance of developing tonsil cancer include:

Epstein-Barr virus;
HIV or AIDS;
suppression of immunity with the help of special drugs;
previous anti-cancer treatment;
genetic and chromosomal abnormalities;
smoking, drinking alcohol;
human papillomavirus (HPV16, it is this type of virus that increases the risk of developing a tumor more than other strains).

This type of cancer has spread to nearby areas, including soft sky and other fabrics. Lymphatic invasion with spread to the cervical lymph nodes is very frequent in the diagnosis of tonsil cancer. Up to 60% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the head and neck region have systemic comorbidity that affects the tonsils. In the process of diagnosing cancer, the patient may be found to have anemia, abnormal liver function, if hemolysis is present, and a decreased serum haptoglobin level.

There are four stages of cancer which display the progress of the tumor and the prognosis of the patient's survival.

Stage I - the tumor is small (less than 2 cm) and is attached to one part of the body without affecting nearby tissues and lymph nodes;
Stage II - the size of the tumor is 2-4 cm, but it still does not affect the surrounding tissues;
Stage III - the tumor is larger than 4 cm, spreads to one lymph node located on the same side;
IV stage - the most difficult stage with the worst prognosis. For cancer of the tonsils at this stage, complications and soreness are characteristic.

The most common symptoms of tonsil cancer are:

anemia, fatigue;
sore throat, damage to bones, lymph nodes, swelling;
sores in the back of the mouth or throat that won't heal;
enlarged tonsils, their disproportion to each other;
pain while eating citrus fruits;
ear pain;
pain in the neck;
saliva with blood;
bad smell from mouth;
difficulty swallowing;
tissue bleeding.

Additional symptoms:

weight loss;
refusal to eat (due to pain);
dizziness, nausea, vomiting;
tooth loss, bleeding gums.

Prognosis for tonsil lymphoma, treatment for tonsil cancer

Low-grade lymphomas tend to be slow growing and therefore compatible with long patient survival. They are usually not curable but respond to treatment with long periods remissions.

The prognosis for tonsil cancer differs depending on the type of lymphoma. For example, follicular cell lymphoma has a median survival rate of 9 years. Low-grade lymphomas usually have a first remission period of 3 years. In general, survival is affected not only by the nature of the lymphoma, but also by the mood of the patient, the conditions of his nutrition and living, the quality of care, psychological condition, the desire to fight the disease, as well as compliance with the treatment regimen.

The main treatment options for tonsil cancer are radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If the cancer is in the tonsils or the head or neck, radiotherapy is very effective. Due to the inaccessibility of this area of the pharynx, surgical treatment is almost impossible, in addition, it is difficult to completely remove a malignant neoplasm in this area without loss of vital tissues. Surgery can be detrimental to the patient, affect his ability to speak and swallow, and disrupt the geometry of the neck. In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also be used. Low-grade tumors respond well to treatment with chlorambucil and prednisolone. These drugs help put patients into temporary remission. These tumors respond well to re-treatment after a relapse.

The treatment of these types of cancer has not changed much over the past 25 years, but the discovery of Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against a protein located on the surface of B-lymphocytes, has provided the first significant step forward in the treatment of tonsil cancer and malignant tumors in this region.

Currently, Rituximab is only available in Australia, the rest of the medical world is waiting for the results of trials of Rituximab in combination with chemotherapy for full treatment lymphomas. It is expected that the drug will increase the effectiveness of all treatment regimens for cancer of the tonsils and nearby tissues.

The quality of treatment for malignant neoplasms of the tonsils is determined by the response of the tumor to treatment. This response can be fixed by measuring the size of the tumor and observing the condition of the lymph nodes. If the nodes are located closer to the surface, their dimensions are measured with a regular ruler, if inside, for example, on the chest or abdomen, the method is used computed tomography. CT can also show the body's response to treatment in general.

Tonsil cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is often referred to as oropharyngeal cancer. The oropharynx consists of the posterior third of the tongue, the soft area of the back of the mouth (soft palate), the tonsils and two bands of tissue in front of and behind them, the posterior wall of the throat.

Despite frequent rejections surgical treatment, it is necessary if the tumor has spread beyond the tonsils and affected neighboring tissues. After the operation, the patient must undergo radiation therapy. In addition, for tumors large sizes radiation therapy may be used first (to shrink the tumor) and then surgical excision of the tumor.

A correct diagnosis allows you to create an accurate individual scheme treatment. The first step in the treatment of any type of cancer, and not just the tonsils, is to determine the size of the tumor, the degree of damage to surrounding tissues, the degree of involvement of the lymph nodes and possible defeat other parts of the body by metastases. With extensive metastases in any organ or several organs, tonsil cancer is considered inoperable. If the tumor is small, it is removed with local anesthesia or with a laser, in which case the patient can even go home immediately after the operation without staying in the hospital. However, more often patients complain after prolonged discomfort, and the tumor is already of considerable size. In the most severe cases, part of the soft palate is removed or rear end language. Tissues are usually restored using donor tissues from the patient himself or special prosthetic valves, materials.

Immediately after surgery, the patient may experience mild asphyxia caused by swelling of the throat. If the patient's condition is critical, a hole in the trachea, at the base of the neck, may be required to allow comfortable breathing. This measure is temporary, and intubation is usually removed as soon as the swelling subsides and the surgical site heals.

Changes in speech are inevitable after such operations, because for correct formation sounds man uses the throat, soft palate, tongue, lips, nose and mouth. Sometimes changes in speech are permanent, sometimes temporary. Special physiotherapy and exercises help to fully or partially restore speech after surgery.

Most physicians recommend minimal surgical treatment followed by localized radiation. medical specialists are also studying the use of hyperthermia (warming up the body to high temperature for the purpose of destroying cancer cells), and the results of this method are quite promising. But experimental treatments are very expensive for those who do not participate in research.

most dangerous and insidious disease the nasopharyngeal region is considered cancer of the tonsils. It is formed from degenerated cells of the lymphatic tissue. Most often, people over 40 years of age, mostly men, suffer from the disease. This is due to more frequent use alcohol and cigarette smoking by the strong half of humanity.

Groups and grades of tonsil cancer

A malignant tumor of the tonsils is of the following types:

Ulcerative;
infiltrative;
Papillomatous.

The first type of cancer is characterized by the formation of ulcers with dense edges on the tonsils. The second type of oncology is characterized by the appearance of compacted, bumpy tissues. The third is a polyp - a neoplasm that has a leg.

There are 4 degrees of cancer palatine tonsil:

On the initial stage gland oncology does not exceed 2 cm, is located only in the mucosa.
The second is characterized by the growth of the neoplasm up to 4 cm, the tonsil is already completely composed of degenerated cells. Metastases are still absent. It is difficult for a person to swallow, pain in the throat appears.
Oncology spreads beyond the tonsils, the size is more than 4 cm, there is an increase in the lymph nodes (on the side of the lesion or on both sides). swallowing causes severe pain, there is a smell from the mouth, in saliva - blood. growth of metastases.
The cancer covers the larynx, nasopharynx and eustachian tubes. There are 3 substages:

Tumors of the lymph nodes do not exceed 6 cm in diameter, without metastases;
The disease spreads to the nasopharynx, bones, muscles near the affected tonsil; lymph nodes with metastases;
Deep metastases in the neck and skull.

Causes

The main reasons for the development of malignant tumors of the tonsils, experts include:

tobacco smoking;
Alcohol consumption;
Papillomavirus infection (16th strain);
Weak immunity;
Carcinogenic substances that enter the body;
Long-term use of immunosuppressants.

The human papillomavirus causes cancer even in very young people.

Signs and symptoms of tonsil cancer

Tonsil cancer and its symptoms in most cases appear only in the last stages. Most often, a tumor of the tonsils occurs only on one side. That's why external changes one of them - serious occasion to see a doctor. The following signs and manifestations help to detect tonsil cancer:

Pain in the nasopharynx and oropharynx due to swelling, often extending to the ears and neck area;
Bad breath;
Blood in nasal secretions and saliva;
Speech disorders, difficulty swallowing and chewing;
Painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck;
Feeling stuck foreign object in the throat;
, their redness and swelling;
Problems with taste recognition, the inability to eat citrus fruits, as well as spicy foods;
Oncological disease 3 and 4 stages are characterized by general weakness, ailments, increased irritability and fatigue, last stage nausea, vomiting, malfunctions are likely various bodies and systems.

Some signs, such as swelling of the tonsils on one or both sides, resemble symptoms purulent tonsillitis. Only medical examination helps to diagnose and identify the tumor.

Diagnostic methods for the study of tonsil cancer

Procedures and tests that determine the patient's condition in oncology:

Blood test (general and biochemical, as well as analysis for oncomarkers);
Inspection of the throat, the tonsils themselves and nearby tissues - laryngoscopy;
Examination of the esophagus, upper respiratory tract;
Biopsy - analysis of a piece of tissue of a modified tonsil;
Computed tomography and ultrasound examination - help to determine the location of the focus of the disease, the presence of metastases.

Diagnosis does not begin until all necessary examinations and analyses. Diagnosis of the neck, skull is prescribed additionally at 3, 4 stages of the disease of the tonsils.

Treatment of tonsil cancer

Oncological tumor of the tonsils in most cases is represented by squamous cell carcinoma - one of the the most complex types malignant neoplasms in terms of treatment. Methods for diagnosing oncology help determine its type. The disease is treated by the following methods:

Surgical removal tonsil tumors are prescribed when the area of the lesion is small. Also, the operation is performed after radiation or chemoradiotherapy, since the use of these methods leads to a decrease in the size of the neoplasm. If the area of the tonsils affected by cancer is small, it can be removed with a laser. With a larger area of \u200b\u200bthe spread of oncology, the tonsils themselves and neighboring tissues are excised. If it becomes necessary to remove the back of the tongue, the soft palate, doctors restore them with the help of plastic surgery.
Radiation, radiotherapy. When the size, location of the tumor and the presence of metastases do not allow surgery on the tonsils, this method is used. In most cases, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells, rarely causing them to die. However x-ray exposure malignancy leads to side effects in the form of dry mouth, ulcers, stomatitis.
Chemotherapy. The use of anticancer drugs is the main method of fighting cancer, as well as additional treatment before the main one. Such drugs inhibit tumor growth and prevent the penetration of metastases into the depths of tissues and organs. Side effects- vomiting, nausea, weakness, general deterioration of well-being. Unlike the first two methods, this method Cancer treatment affects the entire human body.
Photodynamic therapy- the medicine in the patient's body, which accumulates precisely in cancer cells, is activated with special irradiation and destroys the tumor. However, this method has not been fully explored.

Cancer Survival and Prognosis

Most (about ¾) of the sick turn to specialists in the late (3, 4) stages of cancer. If cancer is detected at the last stage, the survival rate is 20%. When diagnosing a tumor of the 3rd degree, this figure is 48%. If the disease managed to affect only the tonsils themselves (stages 1, 2), then the probability of recovery is much higher - 75%.

The earlier the disease is detected, the more successful the treatment and the more favorable the prognosis of doctors for tonsil cancer. In addition, the effectiveness of all procedures is greatly increased by quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.

Preventive measures

Unfortunately, there are no methods that can give one hundred percent protection against the occurrence of tonsil tumors. However, compliance with the following preventive measures helps to minimize the risk of developing cancer of the tonsils. So, what should you do to maintain your health:

Prevent inhalation of substances harmful to the respiratory tract;
Completely avoid smoking tobacco products;
Reduce alcohol consumption;
News healthy lifestyle life;
Make sure that the food is correct, complete and regular;
Several times a year, undergo a dental examination (if you suspect tonsil cancer, the dentist must refer the patient to an oncologist);
Do not violate the rules of personal hygiene;
Minimize contact with people infected with HIV (use of protective equipment during intercourse prevents the penetration of the virus).

Cancer takes time to develop and grow, so regular examinations by specialists will help diagnose a gland tumor in time if it occurs and increase the chances of recovery.

Gland cancer is a malignant lesion lymphatic system in the region of the palatine tonsils. This area also includes the root of the language, back wall throat and soft palate. The disease is considered quite rare and, in case of occurrence, is characterized by intensive growth and early education metastatic lesions of regional lymph nodes and other body systems. The pathological focus, as a rule, has a fuzzy outline and includes ulcerative formations. Similar clinical picture requires careful differential diagnosis due to the similarity of the disease with acute purulent tonsillitis.

Leading clinics abroad

Causes and risk factors

The true cause of the disease has not been established to date. Experts distinguish two main risk factors for tonsillar oncology:

Tobacco smoking. According to the data statistical studies the majority of patients diagnosed with tonsil cancer»become smokers. It is characteristic that the higher the smoking experience, the higher the chances of getting a cancerous lesion of the tonsils.
Abuse of strong alcoholic beverages.

Gland cancer - photo:

Symptoms of gland cancer

In most cases, the disease affects one of the tonsils. The initial stage of this oncology mainly proceeds without visible signs pathology. Initial Process genetic mutation begins in the submucosal layer and as the tumor grows in patients, the first symptoms begin to be determined.

Gland cancer - signs:

intense pain during swallowing;
the appearance of a specific sensation of the otherworldly body in the cervical region.

Cancer of the tonsils–symptoms illnesses on late stages include:

the presence of redness and swelling of the mucous membrane in the region of the palatine tonsils;
in the zone inflammatory infiltrate multiple ulcerative lesions can be observed;
most patients are characterized by purulent-mucous discharge from the nasopharynx;
the pain symptom gradually becomes constant and unbearable;
enlargement and soreness of the regional lymph nodes of the cervical zone.

The general symptoms of cancer intoxication consist of the following manifestations:

persistent rise in body temperature to subfebrile indicators (37 ºС);
loss of appetite and consequent sudden loss body weight;
general malaise, decreased performance and fatigue.

Diagnosis of cancer of the tonsils

The primary diagnosis of the disease is carried out by an otolaryngologist who performs visual inspection oral cavity and nasopharynx.

What does cancer of the tonsils look like? during an ENT examination? Enlargement of one tonsil with several bleeding ulcers.

Computer diagnostics- this is diagnostic study results of layer-by-layer scanning of the patient's head and neck. This survey allows the doctor to assess the condition and spread of a malignant neoplasm.

Biopsy. The technique consists of sequential sampling of biological material and laboratory analysis of cytological and histological structure tumors. The result of microscopic examination of the site pathological tissue is to establish final diagnosis indicating the type and stage of neoplasm.

Leading specialists of clinics abroad

Treatment Methods

Modern principles of anticancer therapy consist in combining three main methods:

Surgery:

Surgery for the diagnosis gland cancer' is usually carried out under general anesthesia. During the operation, a cancerous tumor is subject to removal in conjunction with regional lymph nodes. After the excision, the patient is advised to follow a diet that excludes the use of spicy, salty or peppery foods. AT rehabilitation period a person must undergo planned preventive examinations for an oncologist timely detection possible relapses diseases.

Radiation therapy:

Indications for a radiological method are considered preoperative preparation patient and palliative care in cases of inoperable gland cancer.

The essence of the method lies in the impact of highly active X-ray radiation on the area of oncological growth, which causes stabilization or death of cancer cells. it is used for several courses, since not all pathological cells are in an active state at the time of their irradiation. This technique is carried out in the conditions of an oncological hospital using a stationary radiological apparatus.

Chemotherapy:

Usage cytostatic agents is carried out with a preventive purpose to exclude the development of metastases in distant organs and systems. The duration and dosage of chemotherapy drugs is calculated individually depending on the type and prevalence. cancerous tumor. This technique has complex action for the whole organism.

Forecast

Early diagnosis of a cancerous lesion of the glands allows for a complete and comprehensive removal of a cancerous tumor and provides favorable outcome surgical treatment. A malignant neoplasm of the nasopharynx in the late stages with multiple metastases causes a negative prognosis of the disease. At the 4th stage of oncology, palliative treatment is mainly performed, which is aimed at eliminating some of the symptoms of the disease.

Not the most common variety oncological diseases, which, nevertheless, belongs to the category of one of the most aggressive and dangerous is cancer of the tonsils. It differs from other types of malignant tumors not only in the area of its localization, but also in rapid metastasis. As for the stages of tonsil cancer, the transition from the first stage, at which the process of malignancy of its constituent tissues is just beginning, to the fourth, at which metastases spread to other organs and tissues of the body, takes a catastrophically little time.

According to statistics, the symptoms of tonsil cancer are most often manifested in those who have already crossed the fifty-year milestone. In men, this malignant tumor develops much more often than in women. Experts explain this by the fact that the representatives of the stronger sex smoke more and abuse alcohol more often. Constant poisoning of the body can indeed lead to malignancy of the cells that make up its organs and tissues.

Studies of this issue have shown that those patients in whose body HPV is present - the human papillomavirus - an oncogenic type, are 30 times more likely to develop tonsil cancer, as well as nasopharyngeal cancer and some other types of oncology. Besides, long-term treatment with drugs that depress immune system a person can also provoke the development of this disease.

Varieties and stages of tonsil cancer

Many people think that a person has only two tonsils located in the pharynx. In fact, there are six of them, and the cells that make up any of them are capable of mutating. For example, cancer of the palatine tonsil is one of the most common types of this disease.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils is an extremely aggressive disease. The fact is that in the vast majority of cases, the diagnosis is made already at the third or fourth stages of the disease, when cancer cells have already spread to the surrounding tissues and nearby organs. This greatly complicates the treatment and reduces the chances of a favorable outcome.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils is divided into four stages:

the first, in which the malignant tumor is localized within the mucosa. This stage of tonsil cancer is not accompanied by any symptoms. Lymph nodes are not affected;
the second, on which a malignant tumor grows into the entire tissue that makes up the tonsil. On the side from which the neoplasm is localized, there is an increase in the size of the cervical lymph nodes. May be accompanied by sore throat in the patient and discomfort when swallowing food and liquids;
in the third stage of the disease, cancer of the palatine tonsil or pairs of these organs localized in other parts of the oropharynx spreads to nearby tissues. The cervical lymph nodes are already enlarged on both the right and left sides. A small amount of blood may be present in the patient's saliva - most often in the form of red streaks. Both the patient himself and his relatives may notice an unpleasant smell from his mouth;
the fourth stage of tonsil cancer is characterized by the spread of the disease to the nasopharynx and larynx, as well as bones facial skeleton and cranium. Enlarged lymph nodes on the patient's neck are visible to the naked eye. Even in distant organs, metastases can be found.

Cancer of the tonsils - symptoms

As I said, the early stage of this is deadly. dangerous disease not accompanied by any severe symptoms. It is for this reason that tonsil cancer, if detected in the initial stages, is mainly during periodic examinations or randomly during the diagnosis of another disease.

Symptoms of tonsil cancer become apparent when the tumor spreads to tissue adjacent to the tonsil and may include:

painful sensations in the throat - at first they are accompanied only by the act of swallowing, and then they become permanent. Over time, expression pain syndrome becomes more and more intense;
feeling foreign object in the throat, causing discomfort when swallowing;
blood in saliva;
a sharp bad breath from the patient's mouth;
general weakness in the patient.

Toward the end of the second and the beginning of the third stage of tonsil cancer, the patient begins to show symptoms characteristic of most oncological diseases. These include lack of appetite and rapid weight loss. An increase in the size of the tonsils during this period can be detected simply by examining the patient's throat. The surface of the affected organ may be covered with a grayish coating, as well as sores.

In the advanced stages of the disease, the patient may suffer from symptoms of cancer intoxication, such as persistent nausea and excruciating vomiting. In some patients, looseness of the gums joins these signs of the disease - up to the loss of teeth. If the cancer has passed to the bones of the skull, then neuralgia, paralysis may indicate this. oculomotor nerves and loss of vision.

Detection and treatment of tonsil cancer in Israel

In Israeli clinics, the diagnosis of tonsil cancer takes a few days. Comprehensive examination may include:

blood tests - general, biochemistry, tumor markers, etc. One of the symptoms of tonsil cancer is anemia, which helps to identify exactly laboratory research blood;
medical examination of the throat, as well as the upper respiratory tract and esophagus, using special tools;
biopsy of the tonsils;
Ultrasound of the nasopharynx;
MRI, etc.

To shrink the tumor before removing it surgically, and also after surgery - to destroy cancer cells that could remain in the body - chemotherapy is usually used. In addition, the use of this method of treating tonsil cancer is the most effective way to prolong the life of a patient in the fourth stage of the disease.

Both alone and in combination with chemotherapy, its radiation variety can be used. Irradiation of the tumor also allows not only to stop its progression, but also to significantly reduce the size of the neoplasm.

Finally, surgery involves the removal of not only pathologically altered tonsils, but also tissues localized in the immediate vicinity of it. These can be lymph nodes, subcutaneous fat, etc. In some cases, it is necessary complete removal mandible, instead of which an implant is subsequently installed in Israeli clinics. AT medical institutions of this state, an operation to remove a cancerous tumor can be performed using radiotherapy and other modern methods treatments that greatly increase the accuracy of the intervention and its effectiveness.

Despite the aggressiveness and rapid spread of tonsil cancer, in Israel its treatment can be truly effective. My mission is to act as a link between the patient and his family, sometimes frightened and desperate, and the best oncologists in Israel. In this country, specialists save the lives of people who were recognized as terminally ill in their homeland. Call or write to me and I will help you arrange treatment in the best medical institutions of this state free of charge!

Tumor of the tonsils is a malignant neoplasm of lymphoid tissue. The disease is difficult to diagnose early stage because cancer symptoms are similar to those of chronic tonsillitis. Often cancerous lesion the tonsils are combined with, which is a muscular tube for the passage of air and food masses.

Tumor of the tonsil, mainly diagnosed in male patients over the age of 40 years.

Leading clinics abroad

Etiology and risk factors of malignant lesions of the tonsils

Risk factors for this pathology include:

Epstein-Barr virus and HIV infection.
Immunodeficiency states of the body that occur as a result of taking a course of immunosuppressants.
Radiation and chemotherapy.
The presence of papillomavirus, especially a strain such as HPV16.

Symptoms of a malignant tumor of the tonsils

Signs of the development of a malignant neoplasm of the tonsils include:

chronic fatigue and progression of anemia;
pain in the throat, an increase in the volume of regional lymph nodes;
disproportionate size of the palatine tonsils;
the occurrence of pain while taking spicy or salty foods;
a sign of irradiation of pain in the ears and throat;
the occurrence of unpleasant odors from the oral cavity;
violation of swallowing function;
spontaneous bleeding of affected tissues.

Cancer of the tonsils - how to recognize?

On the present stage development of medicine, a cancerous lesion of the tonsils is diagnosed using the following methods:

visual inspection conducted by an otolaryngologist.
Pharyngoscopy. Examination of the surface of the mucous membrane of the throat with the help of a special magnifying device makes it possible to suspect the presence of a malignant neoplasm.
Biopsy. Laboratory analysis a small area of the tumor determines the tissue affiliation and the stage of the cancerous lesion.

To determine the extent of the neoplasm of the tonsils, doctors prescribe computed and magnetic resonance imaging.

Leading specialists of clinics abroad

Stages of tonsil cancer

The initial stage of oncology is characterized by a neoplasm within the mucous membrane and the absence of clinical signs diseases.
In the second phase, an increase in the tumor occurs, which captures all the tissues of the tonsil. The patient has a solitary metastatic lesion cervical lymph node. The patient has symptoms of acute tonsillitis.
The third stage is accompanied by the spread of a malignant neoplasm into the pharyngeal space and the formation of multiple secondary foci in the regional lymph nodes. At this stage, the patient has oncological symptoms.
In the terminal phase, doctors ascertain the significant size of the tumor and the penetration of mutated tissues into nearby organs and systems. A comprehensive examination of a cancer patient reveals,.

How is the modern treatment of malignant tumors of the tonsils carried out?

At cancer tonsils, the key treatment is surgical removal tumors and regional lymph nodes. Options for excision of a malignant neoplasm and a combination of anticancer techniques depend on the stage of oncological growth.

On the early stages diseases, oncologists resort to the following methods of therapy:

Cryodestruction:

The technique consists in pointwise supply of an ultra-low temperature source ( liquid nitrogen) to the pathological focus. As a result of deep freezing of damaged tissues, necrosis and rejection of mutated cells occur. It is considered a low-traumatic and almost bloodless manipulation.

Laser ablation:

Application of pulse laser beam low power causes the transformation of tumor elements into plasma and their subsequent evaporation. This technology has selective action and is indicated for the superficial location of a malignant neoplasm.

Electroresection:

In this case, the surgeon performs a skin incision and removal of the lower jaw branch. After the formation of access to the palatine tonsil, the specialist sequentially excised all the modified tissues with the help of an electric scalpel.

Oncological tumors of the tonsil are considered sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. can be used both as an independent method of treatment, and as an additional anticancer agent. Under the action of highly active X-rays, the death of mutated cells and the stabilization of the pathological process occur.

In the late stages of oncology of the tonsils in the preoperative and postoperative periods, the patient is recommended to undergo a course of chemotherapy. Application allows you to reduce activity tumor growth, prevent the development operational complications and recurrence of cancer.

Forecast

The prognosis of the results of treatment of this pathology depends on the tissue belonging of the tumor and the degree of spread of mutated cells. The most favorable outcome of the disease is observed in the initial stages, when nearby organs and systems are not involved in the malignant process. Average duration the life of patients with stage 1-2 is about 9 years.

Tumor of the tonsils late stages cancer growth has a negative outlook. A high percentage of lethal consequences is due to the formation of multiple metastatic foci. According to statistics, such cancer patients rarely live past the age of three. In the terminal stages, patients, as a rule, receive only palliative treatment, which is aimed at restoring the patency of food masses, eliminating pain and stopping bleeding.