Stage III laryngeal cancer survivor: Why I call my UT MD Anderson care team ‘heroes’
After I was diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer in December 2023, I planned to get a second opinion at UT MD Anderson, then follow their recommendations by getting treatment near my home in Austin.
But when my first consultation at UT MD Anderson showed I had stage III laryngeal cancer, it became clear that getting cancer treatment there was really the best option. Everything you could possibly need is...
‘How I knew I had throat cancer’: Survivors share their symptoms
For high school football coach Mark Teague, the only symptom of throat cancer he noticed was a small lump beneath his jaw.
“I...
What is dysplasia?
“Dysplasia” is the scientific term for “abnormal cells,” which don’t look the way they’re supposed to under a microscope. These abnormal cells...
What men need to know about HPV-related throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer)
HPV spreads to the oropharynx through intimate kissing or oral sex.
The oropharynx, which includes the area in the back of the tongue and the tonsils, has an uneven surface with deep crevices that make it a good environment for the virus to lodge.
I like to compare the surface to "cauliflower." It has similarities to the surface of the cervix, a common site for HPV infection in...
What are polyps?
You may already have heard about colon polyps. These abnormal cell growths are more likely to develop as we age. They occur in the colon and...
What is a total laryngectomy?
A total laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, or voice box. It is a common procedure used to treat laryngeal cancer.
...
Asbestos exposure and cancer: 8 things to know
Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to a substance called asbestos. This rare cancer develops in the mesothelial cells, the...
How to cope with a laryngectomy: 7 tips for before and after the procedure
You may experience a lot of different emotions if you've been told you need a laryngectomy, or the surgical removal of the voice box...
What's the best way to quit smoking?
Smoking is on the decline. But if you are one of the 28 million Americans still smoking, you probably know how hard it is to quit.
I have HPV. Now what?
We all hope the awkwardness is over after we get our Pap and HPV tests. So hearing that you have tested positive for HPV can be a blow...