Can you eat after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer?

Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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After the total laryngectomy for throat cancer, a period of recovery is necessary, during which time liquid food is administered via a nasogastric tube. Once recovery is complete, it is possible to eat orally. Because the entire larynx is removed during a total laryngectomy, the functions of voice and breathing are lost, and breathing is instead facilitated through a tracheostomy in the neck. Eating is completely unaffected. After recovery from the total laryngectomy, food is ingested orally, passes through the pharynx, and goes directly into the esophagus. Thus, it is possible to eat orally after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer.

Other Voices

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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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How long does it take for throat cancer to develop?

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Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngology disease with numerous clinical symptoms, the most common being sore throat and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Some patients may experience hoarseness and difficulty breathing. If there is pus discharge, this situation might be considered to be associated with a bacterial infection, potentially due to the condition of the throat cancer itself that then leads to a localized bacterial infection and abscess. In such cases, treatment initially involves using antibiotics to combat the infection. After controlling the acute inflammation, most patients need to consider surgical treatment. Depending on the clinical stage and type of the patient, radiotherapy or chemotherapy might also be considered after surgery. After the treatment is completed, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the treatment results.

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Postoperative care for throat cancer is crucial and mainly includes the following aspects: First, it is vital to maintain a clear airway. After throat cancer surgery, most patients will require a tracheotomy, which means regular suctioning is necessary to ensure the airway remains clear. Special attention should be paid to prevent obstruction of the tracheal cannula, as blockage could lead to breathing difficulties and even suffocation in severe cases. Secondly, regarding diet, most patients need a liquid diet administered through a gastric tube immediately following throat cancer surgery, as they are temporarily unable to eat through the mouth or throat. This usually lasts about two weeks. Thirdly, in terms of routine postoperative care, patients should not stay in bed for an extended period. Prolonged bed rest can increase the risk of developing bedsores or vascular thrombosis.

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Is stage 2 laryngeal cancer considered early stage?

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