Does throat cancer cause coughing?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 04, 2025
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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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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 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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if I have a cough from throat cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology. Patients with laryngeal cancer often experience coughs primarily because of the presence of tumors at the glottis, which then cause irritative coughs. For patients with the aforementioned symptoms, we should first diagnose the disease using a laryngoscope and CT scans of the throat area. Subsequently, it is crucial to remove the tumor through surgery as early as possible to achieve a complete cure. Post-surgery, patients usually undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the early stages before surgery, when the patient suffers from severe coughing, medications that clear the throat and benefit the voice can be used to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the patient's suffering. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can acute pharyngitis easily turn into laryngeal cancer?

Acute pharyngitis is unlikely to transform into laryngeal cancer, as it is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infection, with bacterial infections being more common in clinical settings. The main symptoms include sudden throat pain, and some people may also experience a foreign body sensation in the throat or fever. Overall, this disease is characterized as an inflammatory response, and the typical treatment duration is about a week, with recovery generally being rapid, focusing primarily on anti-infection treatment. In terms of inflammation, there is no direct link to laryngeal cancer, so it is not likely to evolve into laryngeal cancer. Moreover, the causes of laryngeal cancer are not yet very clear.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Throat cancer coughing up blood, what is going on?

Patients with laryngeal cancer may experience bleeding due to the rupture of local tumors. The surface tissue of tumors that develop in laryngeal cancer is relatively fragile, and may rupture and cause bleeding during stimuli such as eating or coughing. When these symptoms occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for medical consultation immediately. Examinations like indirect laryngoscopy and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can help confirm the patient's symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. Under the guidance of a physician, hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and hormones can be used for temporary symptomatic treatment. Patients with laryngeal cancer should be detected and treated early, undergo surgery as soon as possible, and receive radiation and chemotherapy to ensure their survival.