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Laryngeal cancer
How long does it take for throat cancer to develop?
Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, which usually forms over the course of a year or half a year. However, patients typically have long-term chronic stimuli and medical history before the tumor changes occur, such as a long history of smoking or drinking, as well as exposure to physical and chemical factors. Early symptoms of throat cancer often include hoarseness, while in the mid to late stages, patients may experience difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties. We can make a definite diagnosis through local pathological biopsy, electronic laryngoscopy, and CT scans of the throat area. Early detection of throat cancer should lead to timely surgical treatment, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For late-stage patients who are not suitable for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be administered promptly to extend the patient's lifespan.
Where is throat cancer likely to metastasize?
The metastasis of laryngeal cancer primarily involves local spread, mainly to the lymph nodes in zones 2, 3, and 4 of the neck. When the cancer becomes more severe, it can break through the lymphatic vessels and spread to the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, lungs, and other related areas. Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the pharyngeal region, typically caused by long-term smoking, drinking, immunodeficiency, and cellular mutations. It commonly occurs in the vocal cords, esophagus, laryngeal ventricle, piriform sinus, base of the tongue, and epiglottis. It causes patients to feel a foreign body sensation in the throat, persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens, irritative cough, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. An examination with an electronic laryngoscope can help diagnose the condition. If an abnormal mass is found, a local biopsy is necessary. If laryngeal cancer is confirmed, related surgical treatment as well as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required.
Can throat cancer be cured after recurrence?
Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of head and neck malignancy. If laryngeal cancer recurs, it becomes more difficult to treat, and only a small portion of patients can achieve clinical cure, with the majority finding it difficult to be cured. In terms of treatment options, the first step is to assess the severity of the condition, and it is recommended to conduct a laryngoscopy and a CT scan of the larynx. Some patients might consider undergoing a total laryngectomy, while others may opt for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the specific treatment option should be chosen based on the severity of the patient’s condition, their overall health, and the patient’s own wishes. After treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Is throat cancer prone to recurrence?
Throat cancer indeed may recur, but the specific chances and extent of recurrence vary greatly among individuals. Generally speaking, the probability of recurrence is much lower in early-stage throat cancer compared to mid and late stages. For early-stage throat cancer, surgery or radiotherapy is primarily recommended. The first two years are very critical; if there is no recurrence within two years, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively smaller. Then, the next milestone is five years; the five-year survival rate is very significant. If there is no recurrence within five years, it can generally meet the criteria for clinical cure. However, even after five years, a small portion of patients might still experience recurrence, hence the necessity to persist with long-term follow-up examinations.
What age does throat cancer generally occur?
Throat cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. It more commonly affects middle-aged or elderly men, with most patients being over 40 years old. Specific clinical symptoms vary among individuals, but common symptoms include sore throat and hoarseness. Some patients may experience difficulty breathing. In terms of treatment, surgery and radiation therapy are commonly used, and some patients may require a combination of comprehensive treatment plans. Regular follow-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Symptoms and Early Signs of Throat Cancer
Symptoms and signs of laryngeal cancer in patients mainly vary according to the different locations of the tumor in the larynx. Most patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer experience a foreign body sensation in the throat, which can be persistent. Patients may even feel a choking sensation when swallowing. Additionally, some patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer may experience unexplained hoarseness or coughing and choking when drinking water, and these symptoms generally do not respond well to oral medication. Some patients exhibit frequent coughing, and ordinary symptomatic cough treatments are ineffective. These are mostly early symptoms and signs. As the laryngeal cancer progresses, patients will experience a noticeable obstruction in the throat, along with symptoms like difficulty breathing.
Can throat cancer be detected by a CT scan?
Most laryngeal cancers can be detected through CT scans because, during the scan, it is possible to see whether there are neoplasms in the area of the pharynx and larynx, especially around the laryngeal cavity, ventricle, and vocal cords. Generally, if there are any growths, they will be visible on a CT scan. However, some early-stage laryngeal cancers, where the mucosa has just started to show changes, might be missed by CT scans. In such cases, it is generally recommended to also perform a laryngoscopic examination. If possible, conducting an NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) laryngoscopy could reveal early mucosal changes. If early-stage laryngeal cancer is confirmed by pathology, surgical or radiation treatment can be very effective and generally has a low chance of recurrence.
Throat cancer coughing up blood, what is going on?
Patients with laryngeal cancer may experience bleeding due to the rupture of local tumors. The surface tissue of tumors that develop in laryngeal cancer is relatively fragile, and may rupture and cause bleeding during stimuli such as eating or coughing. When these symptoms occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for medical consultation immediately. Examinations like indirect laryngoscopy and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can help confirm the patient's symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. Under the guidance of a physician, hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and hormones can be used for temporary symptomatic treatment. Patients with laryngeal cancer should be detected and treated early, undergo surgery as soon as possible, and receive radiation and chemotherapy to ensure their survival.
How to diagnose throat cancer
Laryngeal cancer examinations are mainly divided into two categories. The first category is laryngoscopy, and the second is imaging studies. Laryngoscopy is further subdivided into fiberoptic laryngoscopy, electronic laryngoscopy, and indirect laryngoscopy. Indirect laryngoscopy is relatively rudimentary and generally doesn't play a significant role in diagnosing laryngeal cancer. Therefore, fiberoptic or electronic laryngoscopy is typically preferred as these methods can directly determine the presence of neoplasms in the throat. If a neoplasm is detected, further pathological biopsy testing can be considered. The other method is imaging studies, primarily involving CT scans or MRI of the throat. These are helpful in determining the size, extent, and preliminary nature of the throat neoplasms. Combined with the above methods, a definitive diagnosis can generally be established.
How to self-examine for throat cancer
Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, and patients with throat cancer usually have no obvious early symptoms. If a patient exhibits symptoms such as hoarseness and difficulty swallowing, it should be taken seriously, especially in patients with a long history of smoking. At this point, it is important to seek medical attention promptly, complete inspections using electronic laryngoscopes, a CT scan of the throat, and other relevant examinations to make a clear diagnosis. For patients with neoplasms in the throat, a pathological biopsy is necessary to determine the type of pathology. The most effective treatment method for throat cancer patients is early detection and early treatment, which can avoid surgical operations through early laser surgery, thus reducing the pain and trauma for the patient.