Laryngeal cancer prefers smokers

Mr. Li, who is over 60 years old, is a retired factory worker. He started smoking when he was young, from two or three cigarettes a day to two or three packs a day now. Mr. Li said most often, "I can go a day without eating, but I can't go a day without smoking." His wife often yelled at him about this, saying that smoking is harmful to the body, but Mr. Li didn't listen to her advice and said confidently, "I have smoked for so many years, and my health is pretty good, isn't it?"

Two months ago, Mr. Li often caught a cold, had a sore throat, and spoke in a hoarse voice. He thought it was a minor illness and did not go to the hospital for a checkup. He bought anti-inflammatory drugs and lozenges. But half a month later, the symptoms did not improve, and the hoarseness became worse. Only after his wife and children persuaded him did Mr. Li go to the hospital. After a pathological biopsy, he was diagnosed with glottic cancer and metastasis, and a complete laryngectomy was required.

Mr. Li's example tells us that smoking is one of the important accomplices of laryngeal cancer. Long-term smoking to a certain extent can cause laryngeal mucosal cancer. About 90% of laryngeal cancer patients have a long history of smoking, and the average smoking age is more than 20 years.

It has been confirmed that benzopyrene contained in the tar produced when tobacco is burned has a carcinogenic effect. Tobacco can cause congestion and edema of the mucosa, epithelial hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, slow or even stop the movement of cilia, and prevent harmful substances or mucus in the throat from being discharged smoothly, which becomes the basis for carcinogenesis. The incidence of laryngeal cancer is proportional to the amount of cigarettes smoked per day and the total time of smoking.

In addition, the occurrence of laryngeal cancer is related to smoking and inhalation of harmful dust, but smoking accounts for 90% of the factors. On the basis of chronic inflammation of the throat, long-term stimulation from tobacco, alcohol, spicy food, and frequent exposure to harmful dust can promote cancer. People who smoke heavily and drink a lot have a significantly increased risk of laryngeal cancer.

Smoking is so harmful that for the sake of health, smokers should take action to quit smoking!