ONE of Wales's top cancer specialists says movie-star Michael Douglas faces a tough battle in his fight with cancer.

His wife Catherine Zeta Jones is said to be furious after her 65-year-old's condition was initially dismissed by US doctors as simply a sore throat.

Despite the Wall Street actor's brave vow to beat the disease, fears are growing for him after he revealed he had grade four cancer.

Singleton Hospital's Dr Salah El Sharkawi, who specialises in head and neck cancers, said his thoughts and prayers were with Douglas and his family.

"Stages one and two cancers often result in better outcomes in terms of treatment," he said.

"Stage three cancer is what as described as locally advanced, where as stage four is where the cancer has spread to another part of the body.

"Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are two options in treating the cancer.

"If these are unsuccessful, it is still possible to consider surgery.

"But surgery sometimes is not a good idea if the cancer is in the later stages."

Earlier this week, Michael Douglas began an 8-week treatment for throat cancer and told TV audiences in America his odds of recovery were high.

In an appearance on David Letterman's Late Show, the star said he had at least an 80% chance of recovery.

A biopsy found he had late, stage-four cancer, "which is intense, and so they've had to go at it", added the Oscar winner.

But Michael Douglas said the cancer remained above the neck and that meant expectations were good.

Asked by Letterman about his personal habits, he said he had smoked and drank.

Dr Sharkawi, who has been an oncologist for more than 30 years, said cigarettes and alcohol were one of the main causative factors in throat cancer.

"There are many different kinds of throat cancers and a successful treatment can depend on where the cancer is located," he added.

"If it is on the tonsils the prognosis will be better than if it is at the tongue or further down the throat.

"Obviously an early diagnosis for any type of cancer is very important.

"The later it is left, the worse the outcome tends to be."

But Dr Sharkawi, who received a MBE in this year's Queen's Honour's List alongside Catherine Zeta Jones, added: "The psychological support a patient plays is vitally important.

"Everybody here in Swansea is wishing Mr Douglas and his family well."