Precursors of throat cancer

Written by Cheng Fu Wei
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 23, 2025
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Is throat cancer prone to metastasize to the lungs?

Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In its advanced stages, laryngeal cancer tends to metastasize, though the likelihood of metastasis to the lungs is relatively low. The most common type of metastasis occurs in the cervical lymph nodes, but some patients may also experience liver metastases, and bone metastases are also possible. The specific details of metastasis vary from person to person. It is crucial to seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist as soon as the disease manifests. If metastasis has occurred, the condition is generally more advanced and severe. In terms of treatment, most patients primarily receive a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while some may only undergo palliative treatment, which generally has poorer outcomes.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to distinguish the stages of throat cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology. The staging of laryngeal cancer mainly depends on the location of onset and whether there is lymph node metastasis. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer primarily include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis can be definitively made through a laryngoscope, laryngeal CT, and pathological biopsy. If detected in the early to middle stages, patients should undergo timely surgical treatment. In the late stage, treatment can include radiotherapy and chemotherapy to extend the patient's lifespan.

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Written by Cheng Fu Wei
Otolaryngology
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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 Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
39sec home-news-image

Can you eat after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer?

After the total laryngectomy for throat cancer, a period of recovery is necessary, during which time liquid food is administered via a nasogastric tube. Once recovery is complete, it is possible to eat orally. Because the entire larynx is removed during a total laryngectomy, the functions of voice and breathing are lost, and breathing is instead facilitated through a tracheostomy in the neck. Eating is completely unaffected. After recovery from the total laryngectomy, food is ingested orally, passes through the pharynx, and goes directly into the esophagus. Thus, it is possible to eat orally after a total laryngectomy for throat cancer.