What should I do if I have a cough from throat cancer?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 09, 2025
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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 early-stage throat cancer be cured?

If we are talking about early-stage laryngeal cancer, generally speaking, the cure rate is relatively high. The main treatment methods for early-stage laryngeal cancer are primarily surgical, although radiation therapy can also be considered for some patients. However, specific treatments still need to be tailored according to the patient's own condition and the pathological staging and typing. If the cancer is well-differentiated, the treatment outcomes are generally better. If it is poorly differentiated or moderately differentiated, even though it is early-stage laryngeal cancer, the cure rate is relatively lower, especially within the first two years and the first five years. If a five-year survival rate is achieved without evident recurrences or metastases, this is considered a standard for clinical cure. However, regular follow-ups are still necessary due to the potential risk of recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer be cured after recurrence?

Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of head and neck malignancy. If laryngeal cancer recurs, it becomes more difficult to treat, and only a small portion of patients can achieve clinical cure, with the majority finding it difficult to be cured. In terms of treatment options, the first step is to assess the severity of the condition, and it is recommended to conduct a laryngoscopy and a CT scan of the larynx. Some patients might consider undergoing a total laryngectomy, while others may opt for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the specific treatment option should be chosen based on the severity of the patient’s condition, their overall health, and the patient’s own wishes. After treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What causes throat cancer?

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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Can throat cancer be contagious?

Laryngeal cancer is not contagious. Current medical evidence and research indicate that laryngeal cancer does not have a definitive contagious nature. There are many factors involved in the onset of laryngeal cancer, and clinically, the possible inducing factors have not been completely determined yet. These factors may include having a family history, or frequent exposure to radioactive or chemical substances, as well as potentially due to long-term smoking and drinking, which are risk factors that could lead to the disease. Overall, the exact cause of the disease is not particularly clear, but regardless of the factor, no contagious nature has been found. Therefore, laryngeal cancer is not infectious and is not considered a communicable disease. In terms of treatment, surgery is primarily considered, and some cases may also require consideration of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Generally, it is regarded as a relatively common malignant tumor of the head and neck.