How is advanced malignant throat cancer treated?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 10, 2025
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Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor in the larynx, mainly squamous cell carcinoma. In advanced stages of laryngeal cancer, the main issues are malignant ulcers in the laryngeal area, followed by tumor proliferation, bleeding, and then blockage of the airway by the tumor mass, leading to respiratory difficulties and cachexia throughout the body. Therefore, the primary treatment for advanced malignant tumors is to maintain airway patency, mainly through tracheotomy; secondly, pain management and analgesic treatment are provided to improve the patient’s quality of life; thirdly, nutritional support is provided to the patient, including the insertion of a gastric tube or even parenteral nutrition via intravenous feeding. Overall, the treatment of advanced malignant tumors primarily focuses on improving quality of life and alleviating patient suffering.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What age does throat cancer generally occur?

Throat cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. It more commonly affects middle-aged or elderly men, with most patients being over 40 years old. Specific clinical symptoms vary among individuals, but common symptoms include sore throat and hoarseness. Some patients may experience difficulty breathing. In terms of treatment, surgery and radiation therapy are commonly used, and some patients may require a combination of comprehensive treatment plans. Regular follow-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can throat cancer be contagious?

Laryngeal cancer is not contagious. Current medical evidence and research indicate that laryngeal cancer does not have a definitive contagious nature. There are many factors involved in the onset of laryngeal cancer, and clinically, the possible inducing factors have not been completely determined yet. These factors may include having a family history, or frequent exposure to radioactive or chemical substances, as well as potentially due to long-term smoking and drinking, which are risk factors that could lead to the disease. Overall, the exact cause of the disease is not particularly clear, but regardless of the factor, no contagious nature has been found. Therefore, laryngeal cancer is not infectious and is not considered a communicable disease. In terms of treatment, surgery is primarily considered, and some cases may also require consideration of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Generally, it is regarded as a relatively common malignant tumor of the head and neck.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for throat cancer?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx. Therefore, initially, one should consult the otorhinolaryngology department. However, in some specialized hospitals, such as cancer hospitals, there might not be a specific otorhinolaryngology department, but there is a head and neck surgery department, so in that case, one should consult the head and neck surgery department. After surgery for laryngeal cancer, comprehensive treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy is required. Thus, post-surgery, if radiotherapy is needed, one should visit the radiotherapy department, and if chemotherapy is needed, one should visit the oncology department. Generally, the decision for surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatments is based on the condition of the disease.