Does throat cancer cause coughing?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 01, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of throat cancer

The early symptoms of laryngeal cancer vary depending on the type, as laryngeal cancer is categorized into three types. The most common type, accounting for over 80%, is glottic cancer. The early symptom for this type is primarily hoarseness, making it the type of laryngeal cancer where symptoms appear earliest. The other two types are supraglottic and subglottic cancer. These types are less likely to show early symptoms, or the symptoms may not be typical and easily noticeable or taken seriously. The main symptom is a foreign body sensation in the throat, which is often mistaken for pharyngitis or laryngitis and not given due attention. Therefore, when experiencing persistent hoarseness or a noticeable foreign body sensation in the throat, and if throat discomfort persists, it is advised to visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department of a hospital promptly for an examination with an electronic laryngoscope. This can help in the early detection, exclusion, and diagnosis of the condition.

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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Could coughing up blood-stained sputum be laryngeal cancer?

Coughing up phlegm with blood does not necessarily indicate throat cancer. In fact, coughing up phlegm with blood refers to the presence of blood in the phlegm, which should not be confused with coughing up blood. There are many reasons for blood in the phlegm, and the first step is to rule out whether the blood is coming from the nose or the mouth. The nose is connected to the throat through the pharynx. If there is bleeding in the nose, it can also enter the pharyngeal area. Therefore, when blood is observed in the phlegm, it might be mistakenly believed to come from the lower respiratory tract. Additionally, bleeding from the oral cavity or teeth can also mix with the phlegm. After ruling out these two sources, the blood might originate from the lower respiratory tract. The common reasons for blood from the lower respiratory tract include vascular dilation, tuberculosis, and bronchial lung cancer. These conditions require medical examination to confirm. However, it is impossible to diagnose based on symptoms alone. But at least, coughing up phlegm with blood should not be immediately attributed to lung cancer, as there are many diseases that can cause this symptom.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 9sec home-news-image

Where is throat cancer likely to metastasize?

The metastasis of laryngeal cancer primarily involves local spread, mainly to the lymph nodes in zones 2, 3, and 4 of the neck. When the cancer becomes more severe, it can break through the lymphatic vessels and spread to the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, lungs, and other related areas. Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the pharyngeal region, typically caused by long-term smoking, drinking, immunodeficiency, and cellular mutations. It commonly occurs in the vocal cords, esophagus, laryngeal ventricle, piriform sinus, base of the tongue, and epiglottis. It causes patients to feel a foreign body sensation in the throat, persistent hoarseness that progressively worsens, irritative cough, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. An examination with an electronic laryngoscope can help diagnose the condition. If an abnormal mass is found, a local biopsy is necessary. If laryngeal cancer is confirmed, related surgical treatment as well as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between throat cancer and pharyngitis.

Throat cancer and pharyngitis are two completely different diseases. Throat cancer is a common malignancy in the field of otolaryngology, whereas pharyngitis is caused by long-term chronic inflammation irritating the mucous membrane in the throat area, leading to symptoms such as the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, as well as dryness, itchiness, and pain in the throat. For patients with throat cancer and pharyngitis, diagnosis can be confirmed through the use of a laryngoscope, a nasopharyngoscope, and a CT scan of the neck with contrast enhancement. For patients with throat cancer, the primary treatment method is surgical removal of the tumor tissue. For patients with pharyngitis, the focus is on care. In daily life, it is advisable to avoid consuming spicy, irritating foods and cold drinks, while it is also important to eat more vegetables and fruits to protect the mucous membrane of the throat and to conserve the voice.