How is throat cancer treated?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 22, 2025
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Recurrence rate after total laryngectomy for throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a common disease in otolaryngology and a relatively prevalent malignant tumor. Patients who undergo total laryngectomy often have advanced laryngeal tumors, which block the esophagus or pharynx and have tumor tissues too large for partial removal. The likelihood of recurrence after tumor resection varies from patient to patient, depending on the radiotherapy and chemotherapy administered post-operatively, as well as individual physical constitutions, which can alter recurrence rates. Generally, we recommend that patients undergo a laryngoscopic check-up every three to six months and a CT scan of the larynx post-surgery, to enable timely detection and treatment, aiming for early control and intervention in case of potential recurrence.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer patients eat sea cucumber?

Patients with throat cancer can eat sea cucumbers, which contain rich proteins, trace elements, amino acids, and other components that are very beneficial to health. These can help improve the patient's immune function and resist the occurrence of tumors. Additionally, patients should eat more vegetables and fruits containing vitamins to help enhance their immune function. For diagnosing throat cancer, we mainly use electronic nasopharyngoscopy and CT scans of the throat area to make a clear diagnosis. After throat cancer occurs, we usually perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the tumor while trying to preserve as much of the patient's laryngeal function as possible, in order to improve the patient's quality of life.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is a tracheotomy necessary for laryngeal cancer?

Most patients with laryngeal cancer need to undergo a tracheotomy. Only a small number of early-stage laryngeal cancer cases might consider temporarily avoiding a tracheotomy. If it's an early-stage vocal cord or glottic laryngeal cancer, especially in T1 cases, many might consider minimally invasive surgery under endoscopic support, which typically involves using a laser for surgical removal. After such procedures, the glottis is relatively wider, which reduces the likelihood of breathing difficulties or asphyxiation, and in these cases, a tracheotomy might temporarily not be necessary. If the lesion is extensive, categorized as middle to late-stage, or if there is a need for laryngotomy, all these situations require a tracheotomy to ensure effective breathing and prevent airway obstruction. Severe cases could lead to asphyxiation or even be life-threatening.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer?

After the total laryngectomy for throat cancer, a period of recovery is necessary, during which time liquid food is administered via a nasogastric tube. Once recovery is complete, it is possible to eat orally. Because the entire larynx is removed during a total laryngectomy, the functions of voice and breathing are lost, and breathing is instead facilitated through a tracheostomy in the neck. Eating is completely unaffected. After recovery from the total laryngectomy, food is ingested orally, passes through the pharynx, and goes directly into the esophagus. Thus, it is possible to eat orally after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy?

In clinical practice, most patients with stage T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy. Postoperative measures include voice reconstruction and rehabilitation exercises to ensure the quality of life after surgery. This is because stage T3 laryngeal cancer implies that the cancer has extended beyond the local area of the larynx and has affected one vocal cord. To ensure the radical nature of the surgery, a total laryngectomy is necessary for patients who have advanced to stage T3. However, this type of surgery can lead to postoperative functional impairments such as speech difficulties. Therefore, it is recommended that patients begin functional exercises very early post-surgery.