What causes throat cancer?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 10, 2025
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Throat cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the throat area. Its causes are not clear, but it is generally associated with long-term smoking, drinking, exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances, as well as gastrointestinal dysfunction, acid reflux irritation, prolonged loud speaking, staying up late, fatigue, and malignant transformation of benign tumors, which lead to symptoms in the throat area. It causes persistent hoarseness in patients, and the symptoms progressively worsen. Patients may also experience a foreign body sensation in the throat, a feeling of blockage, a burning sensation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Patients should first go to the hospital for a detailed examination with an electronic laryngoscope, which can reveal cauliflower-like neoplasms or ulcers in any part of the throat. If such findings are present, a local biopsy is needed. If the biopsy confirms the presence of a malignant tumor, local surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy is required for treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with throat cancer lose weight?

Throat cancer is a relatively common ENT disease. Some throat cancer patients may experience weight loss, mainly in the middle and late stages of the disease. This is because these patients generally have a more severe condition, possibly leading to insufficient nutrition. Additionally, throat cancer might affect normal swallowing, thus further accentuating weight loss. Early stage throat cancer, generally, does not lead to significant weight loss. For middle and late-stage patients, comprehensive treatment plans including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy need to be considered. After treatment, long-term and regular follow-up exams are necessary to monitor the treatment effects. Overall, the earlier the detection and the more timely the treatment, the better the outcomes.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What is good for patients with throat cancer to eat?

Laryngeal cancer is a common disease in otolaryngology and is also a type of malignant tumor with a high degree of malignancy. Before surgery, it is generally recommended that patients with laryngeal cancer primarily consume a warm, semi-liquid diet, and avoid spicy and overly greasy food. It is important to control the patient's blood pressure and blood sugar. Additionally, once a tumor diagnosis is confirmed, timely surgical treatment should be carried out to remove the tumor. After surgery, patients typically need to fast from water for about 2-3 weeks and are fed through a gastric tube. During this time, a liquid diet should predominate and can be supplemented with eggs and minced meat to enhance protein intake and resistance, thereby improving immunity.

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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.