What should I do if I have a cough from throat cancer?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 09, 2025
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Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in otolaryngology. Patients with laryngeal cancer often experience coughs primarily because of the presence of tumors at the glottis, which then cause irritative coughs. For patients with the aforementioned symptoms, we should first diagnose the disease using a laryngoscope and CT scans of the throat area. Subsequently, it is crucial to remove the tumor through surgery as early as possible to achieve a complete cure. Post-surgery, patients usually undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the early stages before surgery, when the patient suffers from severe coughing, medications that clear the throat and benefit the voice can be used to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the patient's suffering. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between laryngeal cancer and pharyngeal cancer

The main difference between laryngeal cancer and pharyngeal cancer lies in the different parts they affect. Laryngeal cancer occurs below the level of the epiglottis, while pharyngeal cancer generally occurs above this level, including tumors in the pharynx, tonsils, and base of the tongue, whereas laryngeal cancer primarily involves the vocal cords and the lower pharynx. For the diagnosis and treatment of pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, we can use nasoendoscopy, paranasal sinus CT scan, and CT scan of the larynx among other examinations to make a clear diagnosis, and a pathological biopsy for final confirmation. Once diagnosed, it is usually necessary to surgically remove the tumor promptly to achieve a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Early symptoms of throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In terms of clinical symptoms, if it is early-stage laryngeal cancer, there may not be obvious clinical manifestations. This condition is usually discovered during physical examinations or laryngoscopic examinations. Some patients may experience hoarseness, sore throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, or possibly swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. Once these symptoms appear, a laryngoscopic examination is necessary. Generally, the scope of the condition can be preliminarily judged through laryngoscopic examination, and surgical treatment or radiation therapy can typically be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is throat cancer prone to recurrence?

Throat cancer indeed may recur, but the specific chances and extent of recurrence vary greatly among individuals. Generally speaking, the probability of recurrence is much lower in early-stage throat cancer compared to mid and late stages. For early-stage throat cancer, surgery or radiotherapy is primarily recommended. The first two years are very critical; if there is no recurrence within two years, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively smaller. Then, the next milestone is five years; the five-year survival rate is very significant. If there is no recurrence within five years, it can generally meet the criteria for clinical cure. However, even after five years, a small portion of patients might still experience recurrence, hence the necessity to persist with long-term follow-up examinations.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is throat cancer easy to treat?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, clinically mainly squamous cell carcinoma. Currently, the main treatment is comprehensive treatment centered around surgery, including surgical radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Laryngeal cancer can be completely cured if detected early. It is divided into three types: supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic cancer. Glottic cancer, due to the early and noticeable symptom of hoarseness, is usually detected early, thus the clinical treatment outcomes are relatively good. Therefore, laryngeal cancer is among the malignant tumors with relatively good treatment outcomes, and is considered relatively easy to treat. In summary, the current treatment outcomes for laryngeal cancer are still quite good.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do people with throat cancer lose weight?

Throat cancer is a relatively common ENT disease. Some throat cancer patients may experience weight loss, mainly in the middle and late stages of the disease. This is because these patients generally have a more severe condition, possibly leading to insufficient nutrition. Additionally, throat cancer might affect normal swallowing, thus further accentuating weight loss. Early stage throat cancer, generally, does not lead to significant weight loss. For middle and late-stage patients, comprehensive treatment plans including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy need to be considered. After treatment, long-term and regular follow-up exams are necessary to monitor the treatment effects. Overall, the earlier the detection and the more timely the treatment, the better the outcomes.