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Laryngeal cancer
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.
Do people with throat cancer lose weight?
Throat cancer is a relatively common ENT disease. Some throat cancer patients may experience weight loss, mainly in the middle and late stages of the disease. This is because these patients generally have a more severe condition, possibly leading to insufficient nutrition. Additionally, throat cancer might affect normal swallowing, thus further accentuating weight loss. Early stage throat cancer, generally, does not lead to significant weight loss. For middle and late-stage patients, comprehensive treatment plans including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy need to be considered. After treatment, long-term and regular follow-up exams are necessary to monitor the treatment effects. Overall, the earlier the detection and the more timely the treatment, the better the outcomes.
Is stage 2 laryngeal cancer considered early stage?
Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, and clinically it is divided into four stages: stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. Stage II is considered mid-stage, while stages III and IV are considered late-stage or very late-stage. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for surgical removal. After the surgery, the pathological biopsy results, combined with the presence of lymph node metastasis in the neck and preoperative CT scans, are considered comprehensively. Some patients may solely undergo surgery as their treatment, while others may require additional radiotherapy after surgery. The main aim is to reduce the chances of postoperative recurrence, and it is necessary to undergo regular long-term check-ups, generally recommended every three months, to confirm whether there is any recurrence after the surgery.
Is throat cancer prone to metastasize to the lungs?
Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In its advanced stages, laryngeal cancer tends to metastasize, though the likelihood of metastasis to the lungs is relatively low. The most common type of metastasis occurs in the cervical lymph nodes, but some patients may also experience liver metastases, and bone metastases are also possible. The specific details of metastasis vary from person to person. It is crucial to seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist as soon as the disease manifests. If metastasis has occurred, the condition is generally more advanced and severe. In terms of treatment, most patients primarily receive a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while some may only undergo palliative treatment, which generally has poorer outcomes.
How to distinguish the stages of throat cancer?
Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology. The staging of laryngeal cancer mainly depends on the location of onset and whether there is lymph node metastasis. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer primarily include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis can be definitively made through a laryngoscope, laryngeal CT, and pathological biopsy. If detected in the early to middle stages, patients should undergo timely surgical treatment. In the late stage, treatment can include radiotherapy and chemotherapy to extend the patient's lifespan.
Precursors of throat cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer, located behind the nasal cavity and above the oropharynx, is generally difficult to diagnose early due to its concealed location. However, there are early signs, such as nasopharyngeal bloodstained mucus experienced during sniffing, which should raise suspicions of nasopharyngeal cancer. Additionally, early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer may present with unilateral nasal obstruction, which gradually progresses to more severe blockage. Another indication is the presence of a neck lump or enlarged lymph nodes, which also suggests the possibility of nasopharyngeal cancer. Other nonspecific reactions, such as dermatitis, dermatomyositis, or a general skin rash, should also be considered potential indicators of nasopharyngeal cancer. These signs require attention.