Throat Cancer

The prevalence of throat cancer has increased in the last few decades. At Head & Neck Cancer Center of Texas, cancer specialist Yadro Ducic, MD, FACS, provides state-of-the-art treatment options to lower your risk for the long-term complications caused by throat cancer. Dr. Ducic customizes care plans using radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery when needed. He also specializes in reconstruction surgery to restore the form and function of your throat. Call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, to schedule a throat cancer consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is throat cancer?

Throat cancer develops in the tissues that line your throat or in the deeper muscles when abnormal cells divide rapidly. Cancerous cells can spread into the tonsils, jaw, and other areas of your face and neck.

Your risk for throat cancer increases if you have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a family history of throat cancer, or a history of smoking.  

You might also be at a higher risk for throat cancer if you have untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acids frequently flow from the stomach into your esophagus and mouth.

Head & Neck Cancer Center of Texas offers diagnostic testing and treatment services in-office. Dr. Ducic specializes in a range of effective treatments to destroy existing cancer cells and prevent them from spreading beyond the throat.

When should I seek medical attention for throat cancer?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Head & Neck Cancer Center of Texas if you have symptoms of throat cancer, such as:

• Hoarse voice
• Sore throat
• Persistent cough
• Difficulties or pain with swallowing

Dr. Ducic completes a physical exam of the tissues at the back of your throat and may order X-rays or other diagnostic imaging tests. He can also use an endoscope — a lighted instrument that magnifies his view of your throat tissues to identify suspicious cells.

During an endoscopy procedure, Dr. Ducic can remove a tissue sample (biopsy) for further evaluation under a microscope. Testing helps him determine how advanced the disease is (cancer stage) and if the cancer is spreading to other areas.

How is throat cancer treated?

The typical treatment plan for throat cancer includes chemotherapy and radiation to destroy cancerous cells. 

When nonsurgical cancer treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Ducic can perform surgery to remove cancerous tissue or large tumors from your throat.

If he needs to remove a large portion of throat tissue, Dr. Ducic may recommend reconstruction surgery to restore the function and appearance of your throat. He uses the remaining tissue when possible or can transplant healthy tissue from other areas of your body to rebuild the structure of your throat.

You can expect follow-up visits at the office so that Dr. Ducic can monitor your healing progress. You may also need routine screenings to ensure throat cancer doesn’t return.

Call the Head & Neck Cancer Center of Texas office near you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for throat cancer symptoms, or book an appointment online today.