Recurrence rate after total laryngectomy for throat cancer

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 01, 2025
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Laryngeal cancer is a common disease in otolaryngology and a relatively prevalent malignant tumor. Patients who undergo total laryngectomy often have advanced laryngeal tumors, which block the esophagus or pharynx and have tumor tissues too large for partial removal. The likelihood of recurrence after tumor resection varies from patient to patient, depending on the radiotherapy and chemotherapy administered post-operatively, as well as individual physical constitutions, which can alter recurrence rates. Generally, we recommend that patients undergo a laryngoscopic check-up every three to six months and a CT scan of the larynx post-surgery, to enable timely detection and treatment, aiming for early control and intervention in case of potential recurrence.

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Is T2N0M0 throat cancer serious?

Laryngeal cancer T2N0M0 refers to Stage 2 clinical staging of laryngeal cancer. Here, "T" denotes the primary lesion, typically classified as Stage 2. Stage 1 generally refers to the primary tumor, with Stage 2 lesions being larger in scope than Stage 1. "N0" indicates the local lymph nodes, showing that there is no local lymph node metastasis. "M0" indicates there is no distant metastasis. Therefore, laryngeal cancer T2N0M0 represents an early or intermediate stage. Clinically, this stage is usually most suitable for surgery, and the healing and prognosis after surgery are relatively favorable.

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Throat cancer coughing up blood, what is going on?

Patients with laryngeal cancer may experience bleeding due to the rupture of local tumors. The surface tissue of tumors that develop in laryngeal cancer is relatively fragile, and may rupture and cause bleeding during stimuli such as eating or coughing. When these symptoms occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for medical consultation immediately. Examinations like indirect laryngoscopy and electronic nasopharyngoscopy can help confirm the patient's symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. Under the guidance of a physician, hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and hormones can be used for temporary symptomatic treatment. Patients with laryngeal cancer should be detected and treated early, undergo surgery as soon as possible, and receive radiation and chemotherapy to ensure their survival.

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Written by Li Rui
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Can throat cancer be cured?

Throat cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor in the head and neck area. Some patients can achieve clinical cure, which generally means no local recurrence or distant metastasis for 5 years after the end of treatment. However, the specific treatment outcomes can vary significantly among individuals. Generally, early-stage throat cancer has better treatment outcomes and a higher 5-year survival rate. If it's in the middle to late stages, throat cancer tends to be more difficult to treat and the outcomes are poorer. Therefore, it's important to seek prompt treatment from an otolaryngologist after the onset of the disease, receive targeted treatment, and undergo regular follow-ups to monitor the efficacy of the treatment.

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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.

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Dietary considerations for laryngeal cancer

Patients with throat cancer need to pay attention to the following aspects in their diet: First, it is recommended to adhere to a light diet, avoiding particularly greasy foods and opting for high-protein, low-fat foods. Second, it is recommended to eat soft or semi-liquid foods, and avoid particularly hard foods, as hard foods may cause swallowing obstructions and potentially damage the mucous membranes of the throat. Third, it is advised not to eat cured products and to reduce the intake of salty foods, as these foods may exacerbate the condition of throat cancer and potentially lead to cancer in other parts of the body.