UPDATE: Michael Douglas fighting stage 4 throat cancer
Actor Michael Douglas, interviewed on the David Letterman show on August 16, 2010, announced to the world that he has stage 4 throat cancer. Douglas is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation to treat a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue.
His wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, is openly upset after doctors in the U.S. first dismissed his condition as a sore throat. The couple have been married for 10 years and have two young children.
Douglas remains hopeful. Even though his throat cancer is at Stage 4, it has not spread. He said that he has an 80% chance of recovery though some beliefs are even more favorable.
Douglas just finished filming ‘Wall Street II: Money Never Sleeps’ and was expected to start filming a biography on flamboyant pianist Liberace.
Tongue and throat cancers have a very high rate of cure if found early, yet the after-effects of the treatment can be rather long-lasting and quite extensive. Cancers that start at the base of the tongue are generally painless and they are often advanced when diagnosed. Any change in the voice, trouble talking or swallowing or a growth in the mouth that lasts longer than 3 weeks should be examined by a doctor. Ear pain that lasts could be from the base of the tongue and should be check out. Many mouth cancers are found by a dentist doing a mouth exam.
In 2010 there were 12,720 new cases and 3,600 deaths from throat cancer (including cancers of the larynx) in the U.S.
I feel I must comment on Michael Douglas’s cancer. People who smoke and drink all their lives are aware of the risks they are taking. It’s all about choices people. Of course, I wish Mr Douglas the best.
In reply to Liz, is that the cause then smoking & drinking? Not genetically inclined given his age?
As I understand it, he’ll suffer more and longer from
the treatment than from the disease itself.
Ron: Mr Douglas has acknowledged himself that smoking and drinking are most likely the cause. That is not to say that someone who does not smoke or drink won’t get the disease, but their chances are much less. I am a 12 year breast cancer survivor–no family history, do not smoke or drink. I know the harsh treatments and disfigurement that cancer brings.
I think Catherine Zeta-Jones with all her influence
should raise hell with the Medical professionials
for a stage 4 ( reactive ) cancer diagnosis of Mr Douglas. It should of been a stage 2/3 (proactive) diagnosis. I am sure he will be fine after his
treatments. You don’t get to where he is in life
without having the strength to get through it.