Can minimally invasive surgery be performed for laryngeal cancer?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 10, 2025
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Minimally invasive surgery for laryngeal cancer is an option only for a subset of patients, specifically those in the very early stages of the disease. Generally, this applies to cancers at stage T1 or those confined within the vocal cords. Procedures such as laser surgery or plasma surgery can be performed under the support of a laryngoscope. However, for cancers that are more extensive or at a later stage, minimally invasive surgery is not recommended due to the potential risks of incomplete tumor removal, tumor residue, and possibly affecting the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Therefore, the selection for minimally invasive surgery must be under the assessment of an experienced surgeon, and regular follow-ups are necessary post-surgery to monitor for any residue or recurrence of the lesion.

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How to rule out throat cancer

Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, ranking among the top of various malignant tumors in this field. Patients with throat cancer typically experience symptoms such as throat pain and discomfort in the early stages. We can use electronic laryngoscopy and CT scans of the throat area for diagnosis to achieve early detection and treatment. For cases showing cauliflower-like or abnormal proliferation in the throat area, a local biopsy can be conducted for pathological confirmation. Once throat cancer is detected, it is crucial to complete necessary examinations promptly, rule out surgical contraindications, and proceed with surgery as soon as possible. Treatment should also be complemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to aid in curing the patient.

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Does throat cancer cause coughing?

Throat cancer can cause patients to experience an irritating cough. Throat cancer refers to malignant tumors in the pharynx and throat area. Generally, it occurs in elderly male patients, as the primary cause of throat cancer is typically due to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, and the irritation from spicy diets leading to cellular degeneration in the throat area, which then triggers symptoms of throat cancer. Patients with throat cancer may experience hoarseness, irritating cough, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, they may also experience difficulty breathing. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, cauliflower-like neoplasms or large ulcers may be found in any part of the pharynx and throat. In such cases, a local biopsy is needed. If the biopsy confirms a malignant tumor, initial treatment generally involves local surgery followed by the relevant radiotherapy and chemotherapy to prolong life.

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What should I do about edema from radiation therapy for throat cancer?

After radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer, or during the process of radiotherapy, edema may occur, mainly mucosal edema in the pharyngeal region, and some patients may also experience swelling of the soft tissues in the neck. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology department where a laryngoscopy and routine blood tests can be conducted to help assess the severity of the condition. Generally, nebulizer therapy can be chosen. If there is an accompanying acute bacterial inflammation, antibiotics may need to be considered. Most patients will see a gradual reduction in the degree of swelling after timely medication treatment, but overall, complete recovery requires a relatively long period of time.

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Can early-stage throat cancer be cured?

If we are talking about early-stage laryngeal cancer, generally speaking, the cure rate is relatively high. The main treatment methods for early-stage laryngeal cancer are primarily surgical, although radiation therapy can also be considered for some patients. However, specific treatments still need to be tailored according to the patient's own condition and the pathological staging and typing. If the cancer is well-differentiated, the treatment outcomes are generally better. If it is poorly differentiated or moderately differentiated, even though it is early-stage laryngeal cancer, the cure rate is relatively lower, especially within the first two years and the first five years. If a five-year survival rate is achieved without evident recurrences or metastases, this is considered a standard for clinical cure. However, regular follow-ups are still necessary due to the potential risk of recurrence.

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Does throat cancer cause coughing?

Throat cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor in the head and neck area, with many clinical symptoms. Some patients may experience coughing and throat pain, followed by a foreign body sensation and hoarseness. Some may suffer from swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. Currently, the common diagnostic methods include laryngoscopy and CT scans of the laryngeal area. Under the guidance of laryngoscopy, a tissue sample can be taken for a pathological biopsy, which enables clinical and pathological staging and typing. Subsequent targeted treatments will be required. The common treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment plan should be determined based on a comprehensive consideration of the patient's condition and physical health.