Do people with throat cancer lose weight?

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

Updated on March 05, 2025

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Throat cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area. Some patients may experience weight loss, which can be due to the condition of throat cancer itself, swallowing obstruction caused by the cancer leading to malnutrition, or excessive consumption of the body. Therefore, it is essential for patients with throat cancer to seek prompt medical attention from an otolaryngologist after onset, assess the severity of the condition, and consider comprehensive treatment options such as surgery or radiochemotherapy. During treatment, it is crucial to enhance nutrition, regularly review the condition, and observe changes in the disease. Overall, the treatment outcomes for early-stage throat cancer are relatively good.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

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Does T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy?

In clinical practice, most patients with stage T3 laryngeal cancer require total laryngectomy. Postoperative measures include voice reconstruction and rehabilitation exercises to ensure the quality of life after surgery. This is because stage T3 laryngeal cancer implies that the cancer has extended beyond the local area of the larynx and has affected one vocal cord. To ensure the radical nature of the surgery, a total laryngectomy is necessary for patients who have advanced to stage T3. However, this type of surgery can lead to postoperative functional impairments such as speech difficulties. Therefore, it is recommended that patients begin functional exercises very early post-surgery.

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Written by Cheng Fu Wei

Otolaryngology

53sec

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Precursors of throat cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer, located behind the nasal cavity and above the oropharynx, is generally difficult to diagnose early due to its concealed location. However, there are early signs, such as nasopharyngeal bloodstained mucus experienced during sniffing, which should raise suspicions of nasopharyngeal cancer. Additionally, early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer may present with unilateral nasal obstruction, which gradually progresses to more severe blockage. Another indication is the presence of a neck lump or enlarged lymph nodes, which also suggests the possibility of nasopharyngeal cancer. Other nonspecific reactions, such as dermatitis, dermatomyositis, or a general skin rash, should also be considered potential indicators of nasopharyngeal cancer. These signs require attention.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

46sec

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T2N0M0 in throat cancer indicates stage 2 cancer.

Patients with mid-stage laryngeal cancer generally have a less severe condition and the scope of the lesion is relatively limited. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for surgical removal. It is recommended to undergo a radical resection. After the surgery, based on the pathology lab results and the doctor's clinical experience, some patients might also need to consider undergoing radiation therapy. This serves as an adjunct treatment that can reduce the likelihood of recurrence. However, some patients might achieve good therapeutic results with just the surgery alone. After treatment, regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to check for any local recurrence or distant metastasis.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

48sec

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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

43sec

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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.