Can throat cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 06, 2024
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Most laryngeal cancers can be detected through CT scans because, during the scan, it is possible to see whether there are neoplasms in the area of the pharynx and larynx, especially around the laryngeal cavity, ventricle, and vocal cords. Generally, if there are any growths, they will be visible on a CT scan. However, some early-stage laryngeal cancers, where the mucosa has just started to show changes, might be missed by CT scans. In such cases, it is generally recommended to also perform a laryngoscopic examination. If possible, conducting an NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) laryngoscopy could reveal early mucosal changes. If early-stage laryngeal cancer is confirmed by pathology, surgical or radiation treatment can be very effective and generally has a low chance of recurrence.

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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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Pre-cancerous symptoms of throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a common disease in otolaryngology and a type of malignant tumor, which is divided into primary laryngeal cancer and secondary laryngeal cancer. The main clinical symptoms of laryngeal cancer in its early stages often include hoarseness, cough, and lymph node enlargement, among others. Patients can use indirect laryngoscopy or electronic nasopharyngoscopy to detect tumors located in the pharyngeal area, and a local pathological biopsy can be performed for diagnosis. When the tumor is identified as malignant, it is essential to initiate prompt and active treatment. The common method is to surgically remove the detected tumor to achieve clinical cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does throat cancer infect others?

Throat cancer generally is not contagious. Currently, the most accurate and fundamental etiology of throat cancer is not particularly clear. It may be related to genetic factors or issues with genes, or it could be due to long-term lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or exposure to irritating radioactive substances. Overall, from existing medical treatments and research, there is no evidence found of definite contagiousness. Thus, it is not considered an infectious disease, and excessive isolation is not necessary. Regarding treatment, it is primarily surgical-based at the moment, with some patients requiring a combination of radiotherapy or chemotherapy as comprehensive treatment methods. Also, long-term regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the recovery process.

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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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Which area is the most common site for laryngeal cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, and clinically, it is primarily squamous cell carcinoma. The causes of laryngeal cancer are diverse, with major triggers being the irritation from smoking and alcohol, as well as viral infections. Clinically, laryngeal cancer is categorized into glottic cancer, supraglottic cancer, and subglottic cancer. The most common type is glottic cancer, which occurs on the vocal cords, typically affecting one vocal cord; bilateral occurrence is extremely rare. Glottic cancer, or cancer of the vocal cord area, is often detected early because hoarseness appears as soon as the lesion develops, prompting patients to seek early medical attention. Therefore, when detected early, the treatment outcomes are generally better.