How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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In clinical settings, the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer primarily relies on several aspects. Firstly, the patient's history, such as a family history of laryngeal cancer, and whether there is a long-term smoking history, for example, smoking two packs a day. Secondly, we need some clinical data, such as whether the patient exhibits symptoms like hoarseness. Then, during physical examination, we need to check for the presence of cancerous tissues in the hypopharynx, vocal cords, and the subglottic cavity, such as the presence of lumps, uneven surfaces, erosion, ulcers, etc. These are its symptoms and signs. Furthermore, we can utilize some auxiliary examinations, such as laryngoscopy, which allows direct observation of the tumor tissue. However, the definitive test involves taking a sample of the tumor tissue for a biopsy, identifying the presence of tumor cells, i.e., cancer cells. This result serves as the basis for confirming a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. Of course, other auxiliary examinations like CT scans and MRI can also assist in diagnosing laryngeal cancer.

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Early symptoms of throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In terms of clinical symptoms, if it is early-stage laryngeal cancer, there may not be obvious clinical manifestations. This condition is usually discovered during physical examinations or laryngoscopic examinations. Some patients may experience hoarseness, sore throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, or possibly swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. Once these symptoms appear, a laryngoscopic examination is necessary. Generally, the scope of the condition can be preliminarily judged through laryngoscopic examination, and surgical treatment or radiation therapy can typically be considered.

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Stage II throat cancer is the situation.

The so-called Stage II laryngeal cancer refers to the degree of differentiation of cancer cells, classified as moderately malignant. This type of differentiated cancer cells has a tumor growth rate that is between Stage I and Stage III, and shows certain characteristics of invasion and metastasis. Stage II laryngeal cancer generally tends to metastasize via the lymphatic pathways, and some patients may also experience hematogenous pathway metastasis. Clinically, patients with Stage II laryngeal cancer may present with symptoms localized to the larynx as well as symptoms of metastatic sites. Patients may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, cough, expectoration, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. When metastasis occurs, respiratory symptoms like coughing and coughing up blood can appear.

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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.

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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.

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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.