Early symptoms of throat cancer

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 23, 2025
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Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In terms of clinical symptoms, if it is early-stage laryngeal cancer, there may not be obvious clinical manifestations. This condition is usually discovered during physical examinations or laryngoscopic examinations.

Some patients may experience hoarseness, sore throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, or possibly swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. Once these symptoms appear, a laryngoscopic examination is necessary. Generally, the scope of the condition can be preliminarily judged through laryngoscopic examination, and surgical treatment or radiation therapy can typically be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for throat cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx. Therefore, initially, one should consult the otorhinolaryngology department. However, in some specialized hospitals, such as cancer hospitals, there might not be a specific otorhinolaryngology department, but there is a head and neck surgery department, so in that case, one should consult the head and neck surgery department. After surgery for laryngeal cancer, comprehensive treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy is required. Thus, post-surgery, if radiotherapy is needed, one should visit the radiotherapy department, and if chemotherapy is needed, one should visit the oncology department. Generally, the decision for surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatments is based on the condition of the disease.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can you speak after laryngeal cancer surgery?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx, and the clinical treatment is mainly surgical, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and comprehensive treatment. Whether one can speak after surgery depends on the method of the surgery. Total laryngectomy renders the patient unable to speak. We can help the patient speak through esophageal speech, electronic larynx, and other assistive devices, but there is a significant difference in the sound quality and volume compared to normal speech. With partial laryngectomy, depending on the specific situation, the patient may be able to speak, but the quality of speech still differs greatly from normal speech. Overall, it depends on the condition of the laryngeal cancer and the surgical approach.

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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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How to self-examine for throat cancer

Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, and patients with throat cancer usually have no obvious early symptoms. If a patient exhibits symptoms such as hoarseness and difficulty swallowing, it should be taken seriously, especially in patients with a long history of smoking. At this point, it is important to seek medical attention promptly, complete inspections using electronic laryngoscopes, a CT scan of the throat, and other relevant examinations to make a clear diagnosis. For patients with neoplasms in the throat, a pathological biopsy is necessary to determine the type of pathology. The most effective treatment method for throat cancer patients is early detection and early treatment, which can avoid surgical operations through early laser surgery, thus reducing the pain and trauma for the patient.