The news shared on social media by the famous Spanish artist Antonia San Juan came as a real shock to her fans. She publicly announced her cancer diagnosis, breaking her silence about the health issues that had troubled her for more than a year. This courageous step not only reveals her personal struggle, but also draws attention to a serious medical issue.
The road to diagnosis was far from easy. It all began with throat complaints, which for a long time were attributed to chronic pharyngitis. Because of this, the artist even had to cancel performances. The turning point was a visit to her family doctor, who suspected something wrong with her vocal cords. Subsequent consultations with an otolaryngologist, a CT scan, and other tests confirmed the worst fears. A biopsy gave the final answer—it was a malignant tumor. Despite the shock, Antonia herself shows remarkable resilience and trust in modern medicine, preparing to follow all the doctors’ recommendations.
To better understand the nature of such diseases, we consulted an expert for clarification. Pilar López Criado, head of the medical oncology department at Blua Sanitas Valdebebas clinic in Madrid, explained that head and neck tumors, especially those affecting the vocal cords, are most often directly linked to smoking. However, medicine recognizes other risk factors as well. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming increasingly significant in the development of oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors. Such cases can be found in younger, non-smoking patients.
Geographically, these tumors affect the area from the base of the skull to the collarbones. The most well-known and visible form is laryngeal cancer. Tobacco remains the primary triggering factor for the vast majority of cases within this group of diseases. Alarming statistics show a rise in the number of women affected, which doctors attribute to the growing prevalence of smoking among women, although men still lead in these statistics.
How can you detect the threat in time? In its early stages, the disease manifests as dysphonia—persistent voice changes or hoarseness that do not resolve over time. In more advanced stages, these symptoms may be accompanied by lumps or swellings in the neck, as well as a constant sore throat. It’s important to understand that not all nodules are malignant, but any of these warning signs require immediate consultation with a specialist and, if necessary, a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
The choice of treatment strategy depends on the stage and size of the tumor. Small neoplasms can be removed through minimally invasive surgery, allowing the organ’s functions to be preserved. In advanced cases, a laryngectomy—complete removal of the larynx—may be necessary. The effects of therapy may include persistent hoarseness, and in the case of radical surgery, loss of the ability to speak using the larynx. In such situations, rehabilitation and speech therapy play a crucial role, helping patients adapt to their new lives.
The case of the well-known actress serves as an important reminder. Experts urge not to neglect prevention and to seek medical attention at the very first signs of suspicious symptoms to avoid serious consequences.
