Symptoms of throat cancer to search after Val Kilmer dies at 65

Hollywood legend Val Kilmer has died at 65 from pneumonia after a decade -long health battle.

The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and then underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and two tracheotomies that permanently affected his ability to speak and breathe naturally.

While Kilmer was finally announced without cancer, he spoke publicly about the sustained effects of the disease and his treatments on his health. Prior to his diagnosis, he said he noticed delicate symptoms that turned out to be signs of deadly disease.

Here’s what to care for.

What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

Throat Cancer – an umbrella for cancers developing in the larynx (sound box) and pharynx, a muscle tube that begins behind the nose and opens in the larynx and esophagus – often flies under the radar in its early stages, with symptoms that usually do not advance.

When symptoms appear, they often get mistaken for something less serious, such as a cold or allergy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“One of the early signs are changes in your voice as a noise or sound of gravel, which continues for several weeks without additional signs of the flu,” said Dr. Gareth Nye, a lecturer in biomedical science at the University of Salford, told Yahoo Life.

Other symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty in swallowing or pain when swallowing
• Red or white patches on the mouth or throat
• A lump in the neck, throat or back of the mouth
• Frequent or severe headaches
• Pain in the neck or ear
• Continuous cough or coughing blood
• Shortness of breath or breathing
• Unexplained weight loss

Experts say that if you experience any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks, it is time to check for a doctor.

For Kilmer, his health problems began in 2014 when he noticed a large lump in his throat. He also tried to swallow and even woke up in a group of his blood in some cases, according to the New York Times magazine.

Who is at risk for throat cancer?

About 31,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with throat cancer each year, making it relatively rare compared to other cancers.

American Cancer Society estimates that 12,770 people die each year from oral cavity and pharynx cancers, while laryngeal cancers claim about 3.910 lives each year.

While throat cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors significantly increase the chances of developing the disease. These include smoking or tobacco tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and infections, especially human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus, according to the Sloan Kettering Cancer Memorial Center.

Other factors that may increase your risk include a low diet in fruits and vegetables or with high fish in salt and meat, a diagnosis of Plummer-Vinson’s syndrome, exposure to toxins such as asbestos or sulfuric acid, and even drinking the marriage.

Although people over 55 are at higher risk, throat cancer is becoming more common in young individuals due to increased HPV prevalence.

Men are about five times more likely to be diagnosed with disease compared to women, and they make up almost twice as many cases of HPV -related throat cancers.

“The most common HPV -related cancers are those of the genitals and the reproductive tract. However, since the early 1970s, there has been a steady increase in throat cancers, tongue and tonsils associated with HPV,” said Dr. Nicole Fowler, otolaryngologist and Head & Neck at university hospitals.

“Although the percentage of people who will develop HPV -related oropharyngeal cancer is very small, the upward trend is worrying,” he added.

How can you prevent your throat cancer?

While there is no safe way to prevent throat cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you smoke or chew tobacco, renouncing a first essential step.

If you drink alcohol, do this in moderation. For healthy adults, it means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also help, thanks to their vitamins and antioxidants that promote overall health.

And, of course, protecting yourself from HPV is essential. You can reduce your risk by limiting the number of sexual partners you have and using a condom every time you have sex. Be sure to ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which can help reduce the risk of throat cancer and other HPV -related cancers.