Soft Palate Cancer

A type of cancer which begins in the cells of soft palate is known as soft palate cancer.

Soft palate is located behind teeth in the upper portion of mouth. Soft palate cancer is a type of throat cancer.

Treatment of soft palate cancer is similar to other type of throat cancer which includes surgery and chemotherapy.

Soft palate cancers cause the following signs and symptoms:

• pain which cannot be controlled by non-narcotic analgesics,
• inflammation and obstruction,
• problems with swallowing,
• obstruction of airway.

Causes of soft palate cancer are as follows:

• Genetics: Some genes which are responsible for the formation of oncoproteins these proteins can led to the development of cancer.
• Exposure to radiation: Radiation of high intensity for longtime of exposed will cause development of cancer, some viruses which can reduce immunity can also lead to the development of cancer.
• Mutation: It is necessary for evolution and some wrong mutations can lead to development of cancer.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose soft palate cancer are as follows:

• Examining soft palate: Doctor will use a mirror or tiny camera to examine soft palate and other structures of throat.
• Biopsy: Taking a price of tissue as a sample for laboratory and microscopically investigations is done. This tissue will be examined by a pathologist.
• Imaging tests: For better understanding of the cancer and to look for signs that cancer may have spread beyond soft palate, doctor might recommend following imaging tests:
  • Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),
  • X-ray examination,
  • Computed tomography(CT).

Treatment of soft palate cancer depends on many factors, such as the size and location of cancerous process.

Some of the following method exists for treatment of cancer:

• Surgery: During the surgery of soft palate cancer, skilled surgeons who are trained to remove cancer from throat will work to remove cancer. Depending on the size of cancer stay in hospital is determined. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes their removal becomes necessary.
• Radiation therapy: If the cancer is small radiation therapy on its own can cure cancer. Highly skilled radiation oncologist will provide state-of-the-art radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy which is administered through vein or mouth to treat cancer sometimes chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy.
• Reconstructive therapy: This therapy is done after removal of cancer. Tissues of soft palate are reconstructed to improve appearance and function of soft palate. 

However genetic reasons cannot be prevented some of the following things can be done to prevent soft palate cancer:

• avoiding exposure to radiation by reducing exposure time,
• increasing the distance from the source of radiation.

Reduction in consumption of alcohol. Reduce smoking. Reduce exposure to harmful toxic chemicals.

Some alternative remedies can be useful in treatment of cancer such as:

• Vitamin C: The antioxidant properties of vitamin c can be used to eliminate harmful free radicals.
• Turmeric: An ancient herb can be used to cure cancerous processes due to its anti-cancer properties. Although any home remedy is not recommended in case of cancer over therapy provided by hospitals.

Because complications will be severe when household therapy does not work.

Person suffering from soft palate cancer can do the following lifestyle tips to increase the healing processes:

• reduction of stress,
• adequate rest to body must be given,
• reduction in consumption of alcohol and reducing smoking along with drug abuse.

For today many support groups exist to help people cope with cancer.

Cancer of soft palate is not a life threatening situation hence coping from soft palate cancer is not a big deal.

There are several risks and complications associated with soft palate cancer.

Risks of acquiring cancer of soft palate is as follows:

• people drinking alcohol,
• smoking cigarettes,
• people working in the nuclear power plants.

Complications may be as follows:

• Metastasis: Spreading to other tissues.
• Development of secondary tumor in different place.
• Asphyxia due to obstruction and blockage of airways.