Second Opinion for Throat Cancer

Have you recently been diagnosed with Throat Cancer? Are you worried about how your treatment is going? Do you think your diagnosis may be inaccurate? Does the advised treatment give you the jitters?

It is normal to have these concerns and rightfully so. If these questions pop up again and again in your mind, maybe it is time to consult another doctor for a second opinion.

This guide covers all you need to know to make the most of your second opinion for throat cancer.

What Do You Understand By Throat Cancer?

Often referred to as head and neck cancer, throat cancer originates in the larynx (voice box) or pharynx (throat). It starts when the throat’s flat cells have mutations that cause them to grow out of control. The result could be a tumor. Cancer cannot be cured if it spreads outside the head and neck. However, it can be treated if detected early.

Some key facts about Throat cancer are

• An estimated 66,920 individuals (17,730 women and 49,190 men) were diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2023.
• Pharyngeal and laryngeal are the most commonly found in throat cancer.
• It is more prevalent in older people
• Common risk factors for throat cancer include smoking and viral infections

You may experience symptoms of throat cancer like

• Cough and sore throat
• Difficulty in speaking and swallowing
• Voice changes such as hoarseness
• Persistent earache
• Neck lump
• Weight loss

These symptoms may seem similar to the common cold and cough. But, if they persist for an unusually long time, it is essential to consult with an ENT specialist.

Some of the tests that you may be required to undergo for Throat Cancer diagnosis are

• Lab tests and physical exams: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for lumps in your neck. Usually, the mouth, tongue, and nose are inspected to detect the presence of abnormalities. This could be done with an endoscope. Though there are no specific tests that are routinely used for detecting throat cancer, the doctor advises some blood and urine tests.
• Biopsy: Biopsy: It involves the removal of tissue from your larynx by the doctor. Your pathologist will examine this sample and determine whether cancer cells are present. A biopsy report may provide a conclusive diagnosis of throat cancer.
• Imaging test results: CT scans, MRI, and PET are used by doctors to study the spread of cancer beyond the pharynx or larynx.

Once you have received a diagnosis of throat cancer, you should try to find out as much as possible about your condition and treatment. Your doctor is your most reliable source of getting all the information you need.

Based on your doctor’s analysis of the stage and extent of the spread of your cancer, the following  treatments for throat cancer can be advised

• Surgery: This treatment involves removing the tumor surgically. You must discuss the risks and necessity of surgery for throat cancer treatment with your doctor.
• Chemotherapy: This particular treatment uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can have side effects and you must be aware of these before deciding to go through with it.
• Targeted Therapy: It is believed to be less toxic than chemotherapy, as the targeted therapy drugs work against the weaknesses found in cancer cells but not in normal cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy employs drugs that help your immune system kill cancer cells.

You may have received all of the information about throat cancer and its treatment from your doctors. However, it’s possible that you still believe you lack the knowledge necessary to make the best decisions for your health. Whenever your primary care physician is unable to provide adequate answers, it is advisable to get a second opinion from a different, more qualified oncologist.

Is a Second Opinion for Throat Cancer necessary?

The stakes are quite high when it comes to cancer and you should be completely sure before beginning any treatment.

• Your instinct tells you to speak with a more knowledgeable person.
• You think your doctor doesn’t understand how serious your diagnosis is.
• You desire comfort and assurance that you are headed in the correct direction.
• You’ve chosen a specific course of action. However, that isn’t available in your area.
• You want to find out which other nations offer this kind of care.
• Your insurance provider is requesting that you wait to start therapy until you have seen another specialist.
• Instead of pursuing the recommended surgical choices, you should investigate non-invasive therapy.
• Your continued treatment isn’t having the desired effect on your throat cancer.

It is always recommended that a second opinion should be given by a doctor who specializes in treating throat cancer. This is not a trivial matter as many conditions can be misdiagnosed as throat cancer. These include

• Laryngitis: This is defined by the inflammation and swelling in the larynx. It is mostly temporary and can be caused by viral infections, smoking, and acid reflux. The symptoms of laryngitis include throat pain, hoarseness, speech problems, and low fever.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease:  It occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus which is a tube that connects your mouth and the stomach. This acid reflux irritates the esophagus and can cause symptoms like chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of a lump in your throat.
• Most upper respiratory infections also cause symptoms like cough and sore throat.

Getting ready for your Second Opinion

You should be well-prepared to obtain a beneficial second opinion. Here, we have prepared a checklist to help you navigate your Second Opinion process for throat cancer.

1. Before your Second Opinion

• Check the cost of the Second Opinion and if the insurance provider covers it.
• Discuss getting a  second opinion with the current doctor
• Shortlist specialists who can provide a meaningful second opinion
• Search online for specialists or ask friends and family
• Check the credentials of the chosen specialist and read patient reviews
• Arrange all medical records and write down medical history

2. During the Second Opinion

• Is there nothing else I can do but follow my doctor’s advice?
• Do you believe that more sophisticated treatments exist?
• Are these alternative treatments available where I live, or do I have to fly overseas to receive them?
• Do I have to begin treatment right away?
• What benefits does the course of treatment you are suggesting have?
• For future reference, you can write down or record the talk.
• Bring along something to remember to help with the conversation.

3. After the Second Opinion

• Compare the treatment options
• Discuss with family and friends
• Ensure all doubts are resolved

Cost of Second Opinion with MediGence

The Next Move After a Second Opinion

• If the second opinion doctors agree with your primary doctor, then you can decide on your treatment or continue with your treatment as planned.
• But, what to do when a second opinion differs from my current or recommended treatment?
• In such a case, you can follow the given steps:
• Weigh the treatment options advised by both your primary and second opinion doctor
• Choose the treatment option you find the most suitable
• Search hospitals where you can get treatment
• If you feel that you may have to travel abroad for the treatment, discuss this possibility with your loved ones
• Find the doctor, facility, and nation that will treat you. You can get help from MediGence in locating the best ENT and oncologist.

We hope that this blog has assisted you in making an informed choice regarding your throat cancer after you’ve received a second opinion.