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Laryngeal cancer
Is stage T2 throat cancer considered early stage?
Stage T2 of laryngeal cancer is considered early-stage laryngeal cancer, as the current clinical staging of laryngeal cancer primarily follows the international TNM staging system. According to the TNM staging criteria, "T" represents the extent of the primary tumor in laryngeal cancer, "N" represents the condition of the regional lymph nodes, and "M" indicates distant organ metastasis. The staging of laryngeal cancer is mainly categorized based on different TNM statuses, with "T" divided into five categories based on the extent of the tumor invasion: T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4. If the patient is only at stage T2 without any N and M metastasis, it is clinically considered early-stage.
T2N0M0 in throat cancer indicates stage 2 cancer.
Patients with mid-stage laryngeal cancer generally have a less severe condition and the scope of the lesion is relatively limited. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for surgical removal. It is recommended to undergo a radical resection. After the surgery, based on the pathology lab results and the doctor's clinical experience, some patients might also need to consider undergoing radiation therapy. This serves as an adjunct treatment that can reduce the likelihood of recurrence. However, some patients might achieve good therapeutic results with just the surgery alone. After treatment, regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to check for any local recurrence or distant metastasis.
The difference between throat cancer and pharyngitis.
Throat cancer and pharyngitis are two completely different diseases. Throat cancer is a common malignancy in the field of otolaryngology, whereas pharyngitis is caused by long-term chronic inflammation irritating the mucous membrane in the throat area, leading to symptoms such as the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, as well as dryness, itchiness, and pain in the throat. For patients with throat cancer and pharyngitis, diagnosis can be confirmed through the use of a laryngoscope, a nasopharyngoscope, and a CT scan of the neck with contrast enhancement. For patients with throat cancer, the primary treatment method is surgical removal of the tumor tissue. For patients with pharyngitis, the focus is on care. In daily life, it is advisable to avoid consuming spicy, irritating foods and cold drinks, while it is also important to eat more vegetables and fruits to protect the mucous membrane of the throat and to conserve the voice.
How to rule out throat cancer
Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, ranking among the top of various malignant tumors in this field. Patients with throat cancer typically experience symptoms such as throat pain and discomfort in the early stages. We can use electronic laryngoscopy and CT scans of the throat area for diagnosis to achieve early detection and treatment. For cases showing cauliflower-like or abnormal proliferation in the throat area, a local biopsy can be conducted for pathological confirmation. Once throat cancer is detected, it is crucial to complete necessary examinations promptly, rule out surgical contraindications, and proceed with surgery as soon as possible. Treatment should also be complemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to aid in curing the patient.
What causes throat cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in daily life. Its occurrence is due to factors related to long-term smoking, drinking, and stimulation from physical and chemical factors in the air or work environment. For patients with laryngeal cancer, it is usually necessary to make a definitive diagnosis through examinations such as electronic nasopharyngoscopy, electronic laryngoscopy, and CT of the larynx. Particularly when the patient presents symptoms such as hoarseness, cough with blood, and breathing difficulty, it should draw the patient's attention to seek timely medical examination at a hospital, aiming for early detection and early treatment.
Throat cancer should be seen in the otolaryngology department.
Throat cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. For diagnosis and treatment, it is primarily recommended to consult an otolaryngology department. After visiting otolaryngology, related auxiliary examinations are required. Common examination methods include laryngoscopy and CT of the neck, and some patients need to consider screening for new metastatic lesions throughout the body. If feasible, a PET-CT could be considered, which is relatively more accurate. It can assess the extent and severity of the disease, which helps in clinical staging and typing. In terms of treatment, surgery is the main method, and some patients may need to consider combined treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Does throat cancer infect others?
Throat cancer generally is not contagious. Currently, the most accurate and fundamental etiology of throat cancer is not particularly clear. It may be related to genetic factors or issues with genes, or it could be due to long-term lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or exposure to irritating radioactive substances. Overall, from existing medical treatments and research, there is no evidence found of definite contagiousness. Thus, it is not considered an infectious disease, and excessive isolation is not necessary. Regarding treatment, it is primarily surgical-based at the moment, with some patients requiring a combination of radiotherapy or chemotherapy as comprehensive treatment methods. Also, long-term regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the recovery process.
Does throat cancer cause fever?
Patients with throat cancer may develop a fever because the tumor can secrete pyrogens. If pyrogens are released into the bloodstream, they can cause a fever. Another scenario is that throat cancer is accompanied by bacterial or fungal infections, which can also lead to a fever. If the fever is caused by the tumor, using antibiotics alone will not be effective. It is recommended that the patient undergoes active anti-tumor treatment. By effectively controlling the tumor, the body temperature will generally return to normal. If the fever is due to a concurrent infection, anti-inflammatory treatment is advised to effectively control the infection, and the body temperature will gradually return to normal. Therefore, if a patient experiences a fever, it is important to first determine the cause of the fever and then proceed with targeted treatment. Generally, the body temperature will slowly return to normal after treatment.
What foods should be eaten for throat cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in everyday life. In the early stages, patients with laryngeal cancer usually experience symptoms such as hoarseness, coughing, and a foreign body sensation. In the middle and late stages, patients may suffer from breathing difficulties or even choking, as well as swallowing difficulties. When symptoms of laryngeal cancer appear, we should initially complete examinations with an electronic laryngoscopy, laryngeal CT scan, and pathological biopsy to determine the pathological type of the patient, to confirm the diagnosis. At the same time, we should pay attention to a light diet, primarily warm, cold, and semi-liquid foods, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Additionally, we should detect tumors early and treat them promptly through surgery.
Does T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy?
In clinical practice, most patients with stage T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy. Postoperative measures include voice reconstruction and rehabilitation exercises to ensure the quality of life after surgery. This is because stage T3 laryngeal cancer implies that the cancer has extended beyond the local area of the larynx and has affected one vocal cord. To ensure the radical nature of the surgery, a total laryngectomy is necessary for patients who have advanced to stage T3. However, this type of surgery can lead to postoperative functional impairments such as speech difficulties. Therefore, it is recommended that patients begin functional exercises very early post-surgery.