How to diagnose throat cancer

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What does throat cancer feel like?

Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngological disease and a common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. It has numerous clinical symptoms, the most common being a sensation of a foreign body in the throat and pain. It may also cause hoarseness. Some patients might experience swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties, and it can also lead to weight loss. The specific symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. After the onset of the disease, it is urgent to visit an otolaryngology department, where a laryngoscopy and a CT scan of the larynx can be performed. These are helpful for clinical and pathological staging and typing. In terms of treatment, surgery is currently the main approach, though a comprehensive treatment plan including radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be considered for some patients.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Common sites of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, and clinically, it is primarily squamous cell carcinoma. There are several types of laryngeal cancer: firstly, glottic cancer; secondly, supraglottic cancer; there is also subglottic cancer, and transglottic cancer that spans two regions. Among these types, glottic cancer is the most common. Early-stage glottic cancer is generally detected earlier due to hoarseness, and the outcomes after surgery are relatively better. Consequently, the most frequently diagnosed site of this disease is the vocal cords. After surgery, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor and observe the healing process post-operation.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What foods should be eaten for throat cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in everyday life. In the early stages, patients with laryngeal cancer usually experience symptoms such as hoarseness, coughing, and a foreign body sensation. In the middle and late stages, patients may suffer from breathing difficulties or even choking, as well as swallowing difficulties. When symptoms of laryngeal cancer appear, we should initially complete examinations with an electronic laryngoscopy, laryngeal CT scan, and pathological biopsy to determine the pathological type of the patient, to confirm the diagnosis. At the same time, we should pay attention to a light diet, primarily warm, cold, and semi-liquid foods, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Additionally, we should detect tumors early and treat them promptly through surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is throat cancer treated?

Throat cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the specific severity of the condition. Generally, clinical staging and typing can be performed through imaging inspections, pathological biopsy tests, and laryngoscopy. If the condition is in its early stages, surgical treatment is primarily recommended. Most patients can undergo regular follow-ups to observe the recovery process after surgery. For mid-to-late-stage throat cancer, regular follow-ups are also needed after surgical removal, and it is advisable to combine radiation therapy and chemotherapy in a comprehensive treatment plan. The treatment period is relatively long, requiring long-term regular follow-ups.