How long does it take for throat cancer to develop?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 23, 2024
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Throat cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology, which usually forms over the course of a year or half a year. However, patients typically have long-term chronic stimuli and medical history before the tumor changes occur, such as a long history of smoking or drinking, as well as exposure to physical and chemical factors. Early symptoms of throat cancer often include hoarseness, while in the mid to late stages, patients may experience difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties. We can make a definite diagnosis through local pathological biopsy, electronic laryngoscopy, and CT scans of the throat area. Early detection of throat cancer should lead to timely surgical treatment, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For late-stage patients who are not suitable for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be administered promptly to extend the patient's lifespan.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Common sites of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, and clinically, it is primarily squamous cell carcinoma. There are several types of laryngeal cancer: firstly, glottic cancer; secondly, supraglottic cancer; there is also subglottic cancer, and transglottic cancer that spans two regions. Among these types, glottic cancer is the most common. Early-stage glottic cancer is generally detected earlier due to hoarseness, and the outcomes after surgery are relatively better. Consequently, the most frequently diagnosed site of this disease is the vocal cords. After surgery, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor and observe the healing process post-operation.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about edema from radiation therapy for throat cancer?

After radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer, or during the process of radiotherapy, edema may occur, mainly mucosal edema in the pharyngeal region, and some patients may also experience swelling of the soft tissues in the neck. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology department where a laryngoscopy and routine blood tests can be conducted to help assess the severity of the condition. Generally, nebulizer therapy can be chosen. If there is an accompanying acute bacterial inflammation, antibiotics may need to be considered. Most patients will see a gradual reduction in the degree of swelling after timely medication treatment, but overall, complete recovery requires a relatively long period of time.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer be cured?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor located in the larynx, which can be classified into supraglottic cancer, subglottic cancer, glottic cancer, and transglottic cancer. Any malignant tumor is not incurable; it mainly depends on how early it is detected. If laryngeal cancer is discovered early and treated correctly, promptly, and appropriately, the primary treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, among others. Under these conditions, the survival rate, cure rate, and life expectancy are quite high. However, if the laryngeal cancer has reached an advanced stage and has metastasized to other parts of the body or distant organs, the prognosis is poor, and the survival rate is relatively low.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer be cured?

Throat cancer is a relatively common type of head and neck malignancy with a high clinical incidence. Most patients require surgical treatment, and some need comprehensive treatment combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Generally, patients diagnosed in the early stages have better treatment outcomes and higher five-year survival rates. Typically, achieving a five-year survival rate after standardized surgery or radiotherapy and chemotherapy is considered a clinical cure. However, the proportion of patients in the middle to late stages achieving this is relatively low. Therefore, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery process, regardless of the stage or type of the disease.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which area is the most common site for laryngeal cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, and clinically, it is primarily squamous cell carcinoma. The causes of laryngeal cancer are diverse, with major triggers being the irritation from smoking and alcohol, as well as viral infections. Clinically, laryngeal cancer is categorized into glottic cancer, supraglottic cancer, and subglottic cancer. The most common type is glottic cancer, which occurs on the vocal cords, typically affecting one vocal cord; bilateral occurrence is extremely rare. Glottic cancer, or cancer of the vocal cord area, is often detected early because hoarseness appears as soon as the lesion develops, prompting patients to seek early medical attention. Therefore, when detected early, the treatment outcomes are generally better.