Hoarseness is caused by laryngeal cancer

Hoarseness may be caused by laryngeal cancer. If it is taken seriously in the early stages, it will provide time for early detection and treatment.

The patient, Wang Xiaoshan, 46 years old, has always been in good health and has a habit of smoking. In May this year, he suddenly felt hoarseness and thought it was a throat infection so he didn't take it seriously. He occasionally felt sore throat but had no other symptoms so he didn't take it seriously. However, there was no improvement through self-treatment and it lasted until August this year, so he went to the hospital for examination for a clear diagnosis.

Physical examination revealed normal body temperature, pulse and other signs. Examination of the nasopharynx and throat revealed no congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa, scattered lymph follicle hyperplasia on the posterior pharyngeal wall, no major tonsils on both sides, mild congestion of the laryngeal mucosa, and neoplasms growing on the right vocal cord, antecubital commissure, with an uneven, cauliflower-shaped surface. The left vocal cord was smooth, with no neoplasms growing. Laryngeal lesions were suspected, so a laryngoscopy was performed and the patient was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.

To further confirm the examination, the patient was admitted to the hospital and a small amount of the neoplasm was removed for tissue biopsy under local anesthesia fiber laryngoscope. Pathology showed chronic inflammation with moderate atypical hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium. To clarify the nature of the lesion, the neoplasm was removed again and examined. Pathological examination showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

After the diagnosis was confirmed, the doctor developed a treatment plan for him. He underwent a right vertical hemilaryngectomy two weeks later. After the operation, he was given anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, anti-edema, antacid, nutritional support, symptomatic treatment, etc., and was discharged from the hospital one month later.

Currently, Wang Xiaoshan is recuperating at home. His condition is stable, with no signs of recurrence or metastasis. Wang Xiaoshan's experience reminds us that minor symptoms may very likely be a reflection of a major disease.