Can throat cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

Updated on November 06, 2024

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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

57sec

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Is stage 2 laryngeal cancer considered early stage?

Throat cancer is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, and clinically it is divided into four stages: stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. Stage II is considered mid-stage, while stages III and IV are considered late-stage or very late-stage. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for surgical removal. After the surgery, the pathological biopsy results, combined with the presence of lymph node metastasis in the neck and preoperative CT scans, are considered comprehensively. Some patients may solely undergo surgery as their treatment, while others may require additional radiotherapy after surgery. The main aim is to reduce the chances of postoperative recurrence, and it is necessary to undergo regular long-term check-ups, generally recommended every three months, to confirm whether there is any recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

42sec

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Can throat cancer be contagious?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx, which is clinically primarily squamous cell carcinoma and belongs to epithelial malignancies. Generally, epithelial malignancies are not contagious. However, laryngeal cancer may sometimes be related to certain viral infections, such as papillomatosis, which might be contagious. This is an aspect of its etiology, but laryngeal cancer itself is not contagious. In summary, laryngeal cancer is not contagious. It is a malignant tumor disease, and its clinical treatment mainly involves surgical intervention, which can be supplemented with radiation therapy and other treatments.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

1min 10sec

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How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

In clinical settings, the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer primarily relies on several aspects. Firstly, the patient's history, such as a family history of laryngeal cancer, and whether there is a long-term smoking history, for example, smoking two packs a day. Secondly, we need some clinical data, such as whether the patient exhibits symptoms like hoarseness. Then, during physical examination, we need to check for the presence of cancerous tissues in the hypopharynx, vocal cords, and the subglottic cavity, such as the presence of lumps, uneven surfaces, erosion, ulcers, etc. These are its symptoms and signs. Furthermore, we can utilize some auxiliary examinations, such as laryngoscopy, which allows direct observation of the tumor tissue. However, the definitive test involves taking a sample of the tumor tissue for a biopsy, identifying the presence of tumor cells, i.e., cancer cells. This result serves as the basis for confirming a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. Of course, other auxiliary examinations like CT scans and MRI can also assist in diagnosing laryngeal cancer.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 5sec

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Do the early symptoms of laryngeal cancer include coughing?

Throat cancer refers to malignant tumors that occur in the pharyngeal region. Clinically, it commonly manifests as vocal cord cancer, pyriform sinus cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer. The causes are linked to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, gastrointestinal dysfunction, acid reflux, irritations, and improper or excessive use of the voice leading to cellular mutations. In its early stages, patients generally experience persistent worsening hoarseness. Sometimes, patients may also suffer from irritative coughing, a foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction feeling, and breathing difficulties. Patients need to undergo a detailed examination with an electronic laryngoscope at a hospital, which can reveal cauliflower-like neoplasms in any part of the pharynx. At this point, a local biopsy is necessary. If the biopsy confirms a malignant tumor in the pharyngeal region, local surgical removal is required, followed by relevant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

54sec

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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.