THROAT SINGING AND THROAT CANCER

Postby duotone » Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:01 am
http://khoomei.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=925&start=15#p5948  

I have been singing harmonic overtones for years most similar to the higher
pitched Tuvan Sygyt style. Recently I have had swelling of the throat in the
same area of tension as in the singing. It feels as though theres a lump in my
throat and it is noticeable while eating. I had some acid reflux also but I
fixed my diet. I had been eating tons of tangerines and had also been drinking a
lot more tea than usual and that comes with hot water which may have exacerbated
things. I have sinced stopped eating these things and stopped the hot liquids,
tea etc. and a beer on some days. But I still have this tight swelling feeling
in my throat. I may have irritated my throat with a combination of things. This
has been going on for a week and half but is getting better. I have seen a
general physician who has prescribed me some acid reflux oriented medicine.

Anyway I've been doing some research on the potential for throat cancer in
throat singers and the only thing I came up with is this Washington Post article
from 1996. It does indeed address the issue:
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Tuvan Throat-Singers Perform Feats of Harmonic Acrobatics
The Washington Post, Monday, January 15, 1996, page A5
Science / Ethnomusicology

(relevant excerpt):

Anthony Jahn, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and Anat Keidar, a voice
scientist and speech pathologist, together have studied how this is
accomplished. At Vox Humana Voice La, which is affiliated with Roosevelt
Hospital in New York City, they used a fiber optic endoscope, placed through the
nose into the throat, to see what throat-singers actually did.
These researchers found that singers used anatomical structures, such as the
false vocal cords and the aryepiglottic folds, as well as the tongue to create
distinct but interconnected resonating chambers capable of accentuating or
dampening harmonics.
They also found evidence of swelling, blood vessel growth, and even a form of
chronic inflammation that can lead to cancer, in the throats of some singers.
Undaunted by occupational risks, and making the most of Russia's new capitalism,
Huun-Huur-Tu exemplifies the evolution of throat-singing in Tuva.

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Now before you get scared read on. I sent a letter to Dr. Jahn, here is his
recent response:

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Dr. Jahn: I remember examining the Tuvans when they came to our office in 1996.
They achieve this voice in part by using the false vocal folds and other,
normally non-phonatory, parts of the larynx. I don't believe it really puts you
at risk for cancer. Many of the Tuvans also smoke, which is more of a risk. If
you are concerned, though, you should see an otolaryngologist and have your
throat examined. Assuming that you are not throat-singing 6 hours a day, don't
smoke and don't drink to excess, your chances of cancer are really minimal.

________________________________________________________________________________\
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So this is the bottom line according to Dr. Jahn.
However, I don't think the issue is resolved. This examination is one
examination not a study.

I only practice for 15 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week. True, I do practice
outside in what is now cold weather in New York. But it has been only been
around 30 F lately. My current problem may have nothing to do with the singing.
I have stopped for the moment. I had only practiced for more than 30 minutes at
a time because I get hoarse by that time. But by the same token I question if
some Tuvans actually practice as much as 6 hours a day.maybe that is just his
assumption. Maybe longer practice can be done in less strenuous styles than the
higher pitched Sygyt style. I do think Sygyt it's much more strenous in terms of
tensing up the throat.

I'm trying to get more information on this topic.

duotone
     
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Re: Health Problems / Lower life expectancy?

Postby throatsinger » Sun Feb 03, 2008 4:07 am
http://khoomei.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=925&start=15#p5954

I'm not scared.

That said, acid reflux is not good; acid can be inhaled into the larynx with the
expected results. :sick:

I don't read what the Dr. said as implying that Tuvans sing 6 hours/day, rather
than suggesting that would be excessive.

I've been examined, and was present for HHT's exams. No such problems were
reported then (and they smoke).

Can't say much about what you do without samples, so post 'em if you can. And if
you have any persistent or worrisome problems, see your health care provider.
Also, make sure that you aren't straining, which is unnecessary and undesirable.

It is good to practice careful throat massage. Singing can build tension that
should be released.

Hope this helps,
Steve Sklar
http://khoomei.com
http://youtube.com/throatsinger






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