How is advanced malignant throat cancer treated?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on January 10, 2025

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Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, mainly squamous cell carcinoma. In advanced stages of laryngeal cancer, the main issues are malignant ulcers in the laryngeal area, followed by tumor proliferation, bleeding, and then blockage of the airway by the tumor mass, leading to respiratory difficulties and cachexia throughout the body. Therefore, the primary treatment for advanced malignant tumors is to maintain airway patency, mainly through tracheotomy; secondly, pain management and analgesic treatment are provided to improve the patient’s quality of life; thirdly, nutritional support is provided to the patient, including the insertion of a gastric tube or even parenteral nutrition via intravenous feeding. Overall, the treatment of advanced malignant tumors primarily focuses on improving quality of life and alleviating patient suffering.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

47sec

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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 Li Rui

Otolaryngology

58sec

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The Difference Between Throat Cancer and Esophageal Cancer

Throat cancer and esophageal cancer have essential differences, starting with the specific location of the disease. Throat cancer primarily occurs in the glottis and the supraglottic area, while esophageal cancer mainly occurs in the esophagus. Typically, the symptoms of throat cancer may be more characteristic, the most common being a foreign body sensation in the throat, throat pain, and hoarseness. Particularly, glottic throat cancer symptoms are more pronounced, which might include persistent and noticeable hoarseness. The primary symptoms of esophageal cancer are pain below the neck, which may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or swallowing obstruction. For diagnosis, throat cancer is primarily assessed via laryngoscopy, while esophageal cancer is typically evaluated through gastroscopy. In terms of treatment, the approach generally focuses on surgery, potentially supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

49sec

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Can throat cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Most laryngeal cancers can be detected through CT scans because, during the scan, it is possible to see whether there are neoplasms in the area of the pharynx and larynx, especially around the laryngeal cavity, ventricle, and vocal cords. Generally, if there are any growths, they will be visible on a CT scan. However, some early-stage laryngeal cancers, where the mucosa has just started to show changes, might be missed by CT scans. In such cases, it is generally recommended to also perform a laryngoscopic examination. If possible, conducting an NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) laryngoscopy could reveal early mucosal changes. If early-stage laryngeal cancer is confirmed by pathology, surgical or radiation treatment can be very effective and generally has a low chance of recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

56sec

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What are the symptoms of early-stage throat cancer?

The early symptoms of laryngeal cancer vary: some people exhibit typical symptoms while others show atypical symptoms or even no symptoms initially. For glottic laryngeal cancer, one of the earlier symptoms is hoarseness. This type of cancer occurs in the vocal cords area, which can affect closure of the vocal cords during speech, causing hoarseness. Some patients may also experience throat pain, abnormal bloody discharge from the throat, or have difficulties in breathing and swallowing, which could all be symptoms of laryngeal cancer. However, some patients may not show any symptoms in the early stages, especially those with supraglottic or subglottic laryngeal cancer, where early symptoms are not typical. Symptoms might only appear in the mid to late stages. Therefore, it is necessary to use a laryngoscope for examination and to perform a neck CT for a comprehensive evaluation.

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Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

44sec

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The difference between esophageal cancer and laryngeal cancer

Esophageal cancer and laryngeal cancer are both malignant tumors. Esophageal cancer refers to the malignant tumor occurring in the esophagus, while laryngeal cancer refers to the malignant tumor occurring in the larynx. Therefore, their tumor locations are different. The pathology of both is generally squamous cell carcinoma. The main symptom of esophageal cancer is obstructed eating; patients will feel difficulty swallowing, obstruction, and worsening of these symptoms as they eat. The primary symptom of laryngeal cancer is typically a hoarse voice, which distinguishes the symptoms of the two cancers.