Throat Cancer

Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer. Tests they use to diagnose one or both of these conditions include:

Physical examination:Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any activities that may increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
Laryngoscopy:These are tests that allow your healthcare provider to look at your throat. They may do a direct laryngoscopy so they can examine your throat in more detail, as well as the area behind your nose. This is a scope procedure done by your healthcare provider.
Pharyngoscopy:Your healthcare provider may do this test to diagnose oropharyngeal cancer. This is a scope procedure done by your healthcare provider.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: This test makes detailed images of your throat. Your healthcare provider may use this imaging test to diagnose oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan:This test uses radio waves and a magnet to create images of your throat.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Healthcare providers use this test to look for signs that cancer has spread.
Endoscopic biopsy:Your healthcare provider may do this test to obtain tissue samples.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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