What department should I go to for throat cancer?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx. Therefore, initially, one should consult the otorhinolaryngology department. However, in some specialized hospitals, such as cancer hospitals, there might not be a specific otorhinolaryngology department, but there is a head and neck surgery department, so in that case, one should consult the head and neck surgery department. After surgery for laryngeal cancer, comprehensive treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy is required. Thus, post-surgery, if radiotherapy is needed, one should visit the radiotherapy department, and if chemotherapy is needed, one should visit the oncology department. Generally, the decision for surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatments is based on the condition of the disease.

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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.

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Does throat cancer cause coughing?

Throat cancer can cause patients to experience an irritating cough. Throat cancer refers to malignant tumors in the pharynx and throat area. Generally, it occurs in elderly male patients, as the primary cause of throat cancer is typically due to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and the irritation from spicy diets leading to cellular degeneration in the throat area, which then triggers symptoms of throat cancer. Patients with throat cancer may experience hoarseness, irritating cough, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, they may also experience difficulty breathing. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, cauliflower-like neoplasms or large ulcers may be found in any part of the pharynx and throat. In such cases, a local biopsy is needed. If the biopsy confirms a malignant tumor, initial treatment generally involves local surgery followed by the relevant radiotherapy and chemotherapy to prolong life.

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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.

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Do the early symptoms of laryngeal cancer include coughing?

Throat cancer refers to malignant tumors that occur in the pharyngeal region. Clinically, it commonly manifests as vocal cord cancer, pyriform sinus cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer. The causes are linked to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, gastrointestinal dysfunction, acid reflux, irritations, and improper or excessive use of the voice leading to cellular mutations. In its early stages, patients generally experience persistent worsening hoarseness. Sometimes, patients may also suffer from irritative coughing, a foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction feeling, and breathing difficulties. Patients need to undergo a detailed examination with an electronic laryngoscope at a hospital, which can reveal cauliflower-like neoplasms in any part of the pharynx. At this point, a local biopsy is necessary. If the biopsy confirms a malignant tumor in the pharyngeal region, local surgical removal is required, followed by relevant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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Are pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer the same?

Pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer are the same; the onset of pharyngeal cancer in patients is due to the stimulation of long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and the intake of overly hot foods, causing malignant proliferation of the squamous epithelium in the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to tumor development. For patients with pharyngeal cancer, the first step should be to complete routine blood tests, coagulation function tests, electronic nasopharyngoscopy, and other relevant examinations, and use a biopsy of a pathological slice for diagnosis. The main treatment method for patients with laryngeal cancer is surgical removal, and postoperative radiotherapy can be appropriately carried out to prevent tumor recurrence.