Pre-cancerous symptoms of throat cancer

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 11, 2025
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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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How to diagnose throat cancer

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 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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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recurrence rate of throat cancer after surgery

Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck diagnosed by otolaryngologists. Its occurrence is often related to prolonged smoking, drinking, air pollution, and other adverse environmental factors. Currently, the primary treatment for throat cancer is surgical intervention. The likelihood of recurrence after surgery varies from person to person. For early-stage throat cancer patients, the chance of recurrence is relatively low if a thorough excision is performed. Complete recovery rates are usually above 70%-80%. However, for patients with lymph node metastasis in the middle to late stages, recurrence rates are typically above 50%-60%.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer be contagious?

Laryngeal cancer is not contagious. Current medical evidence and research indicate that laryngeal cancer does not have a definitive contagious nature. There are many factors involved in the onset of laryngeal cancer, and clinically, the possible inducing factors have not been completely determined yet. These factors may include having a family history, or frequent exposure to radioactive or chemical substances, as well as potentially due to long-term smoking and drinking, which are risk factors that could lead to the disease. Overall, the exact cause of the disease is not particularly clear, but regardless of the factor, no contagious nature has been found. Therefore, laryngeal cancer is not infectious and is not considered a communicable disease. In terms of treatment, surgery is primarily considered, and some cases may also require consideration of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Generally, it is regarded as a relatively common malignant tumor of the head and neck.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include recurrent sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and hoarseness. Some patients may not exhibit obvious clinical signs in the early stages and are often diagnosed during laryngoscopy or physical examinations. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to perform laryngoscopy and a neck CT scan to assess the extent of the disease. Most patients primarily undergo surgical treatment, while some may need to consider a comprehensive treatment plan that includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy. After treatment, regular follow-ups are required to monitor the effectiveness.