The most common type of laryngeal cancer

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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At present, laryngeal cancer is classified based on anatomical location into three main types, with glottic cancer being the most common. Supraglottic and subglottic cancers are relatively less common. The primary symptom of glottic cancer is hoarseness, which can be noticeable in the early stages. Therefore, generally, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcome may be. Additionally, laryngeal cancer is also classified by pathological types. The main pathological type is squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, surgical treatment is the most important, but depending on the patient's stage and type of cancer, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy might be necessary.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does CEA increase in throat cancer?

In the blood tests of some laryngeal cancer patients, an increase in the CEA index may be observed, but most laryngeal cancer patients do not exhibit abnormal CEA levels. This is because laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck region, and currently, there are no specific tumor markers clinically for laryngeal cancer. CEA, also known as carcinoembryonic antigen, is a tumor marker that is most often elevated in the bodies of patients with malignant tumors. Clinically, an increase in the CEA level is commonly seen in malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, thoracic malignancies, malignancies in the female urogenital system, and some tumors in the male urogenital system. However, in patients with head and neck malignancies, this marker is not commonly elevated.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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The most common type of laryngeal cancer

At present, laryngeal cancer is classified based on anatomical location into three main types, with glottic cancer being the most common. Supraglottic and subglottic cancers are relatively less common. The primary symptom of glottic cancer is hoarseness, which can be noticeable in the early stages. Therefore, generally, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcome may be. Additionally, laryngeal cancer is also classified by pathological types. The main pathological type is squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, surgical treatment is the most important, but depending on the patient's stage and type of cancer, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy might be necessary.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
1min 12sec home-news-image

Could coughing up blood-stained sputum be laryngeal cancer?

Coughing up phlegm with blood does not necessarily indicate throat cancer. In fact, coughing up phlegm with blood refers to the presence of blood in the phlegm, which should not be confused with coughing up blood. There are many reasons for blood in the phlegm, and the first step is to rule out whether the blood is coming from the nose or the mouth. The nose is connected to the throat through the pharynx. If there is bleeding in the nose, it can also enter the pharyngeal area. Therefore, when blood is observed in the phlegm, it might be mistakenly believed to come from the lower respiratory tract. Additionally, bleeding from the oral cavity or teeth can also mix with the phlegm. After ruling out these two sources, the blood might originate from the lower respiratory tract. The common reasons for blood from the lower respiratory tract include vascular dilation, tuberculosis, and bronchial lung cancer. These conditions require medical examination to confirm. However, it is impossible to diagnose based on symptoms alone. But at least, coughing up phlegm with blood should not be immediately attributed to lung cancer, as there are many diseases that can cause this symptom.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with throat cancer lose weight?

Throat cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. Some patients may experience weight loss, which can be due to the condition of throat cancer itself, swallowing obstruction caused by the cancer leading to malnutrition, or excessive consumption of the body. Therefore, it is essential for patients with throat cancer to seek prompt medical attention from an otolaryngologist after onset, assess the severity of the condition, and consider comprehensive treatment options such as surgery or radiochemotherapy. During treatment, it is crucial to enhance nutrition, regularly review the condition, and observe changes in the disease. Overall, the treatment outcomes for early-stage throat cancer are relatively good.