Drinking too much alcohol could trigger this rare type of throat cancer

It has been known for some time that HPV viruses can trigger laryngeal cancer. But there are other important risk factors for this serious cancer: smoking together with increased alcohol consumption.

Smoking plus high alcohol consumption is dangerous

The most important risk factor for laryngeal cancer is smoking. The longer and the more someone smokes, the higher their risk of developing this type of cancer. After quitting smoking, it takes up to 15 years for the risk of disease to return to the level of a non-smoker.

The risk of laryngeal cancer for smokers is even potentiated if they also consume a lot of alcohol. This is often the case, because nowhere is as much alcohol drunk as in Europe. Those who drink a lot and daily not only show symptoms of alcohol dependence, but also increase their risk of cancer. And not only for laryngeal cancer.

Read more:Dehydration could be as bad as smoking: Drink this much water a day to avoid health issues

Do not underestimate symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Hoarseness is one of the symptoms of laryngitis, but it can also be a sign of cancer. If hoarseness persists, it is therefore important to consult a doctor, as the disease affects the vocal folds in 65 percent of cases.

Blood when coughing can also be another sign of laryngeal cancer. Forced clearing of the throat and a foreign body sensation are also among the initial symptoms. At a later stage, breathing difficulties, audible breathing sounds, and possibly shortness of breath can be found.

Read more:Cancer risk: Brits' favourite drink increases risk of getting cancer

This article has been translated from Gentside DE.

Sources used:

InFranken: Kehlkopfkrebs: Studie zeigt einen Auslöser - schlimmer als Rauchen

Universitätsmedizin Mannheim: Kehlkopfkrebs

Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft: Ursache und Risikofaktoren für Tumore der oberen Luft- und Speisewege und für Kehlkopfkrebs

FOCUS Online: Dauer-Heiserkeit als Warnsignal: Woran Sie Kehlkopfkrebs erkennen und wie Sie vorbeugen