What are the early symptoms of throat cancer

Early symptoms of laryngeal cancer include hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. Timely medical attention and laryngoscopy are the key to early diagnosis. Treatment options include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The specific plan should be determined based on the condition and doctor's advice.

1. Hoarseness is one of the most common early symptoms of laryngeal cancer, usually caused by tumors invading the vocal cords or laryngeal nerves. This hoarseness lasts for a long time and gradually worsens. Hoarseness caused by common laryngitis or colds usually improves in a short time. It is recommended to undergo laryngoscopy as soon as possible when hoarseness persists for more than two weeks to rule out the possibility of malignant tumors.

2. The foreign body sensation in the throat is manifested as the patient feeling that something is stuck in the throat, which is particularly obvious when swallowing. This symptom may be related to local tissue thickening or inflammatory response caused by tumor growth. If the foreign body sensation persists, especially accompanied by swallowing pain or discomfort, you should seek medical attention in time and further clarify the cause through imaging examinations such as CT or MRI.

3. Dysphagia is a typical symptom of laryngeal cancer that has progressed to a certain stage. It may be related to the tumor blocking the esophagus or changes in the structure of the larynx. In the early stage, it may manifest as slight discomfort when swallowing, and in the later stage, it may develop into difficulty in eating solid food or even liquid food. At this time, endoscopic examination is required to determine the location and extent of the tumor, and a surgical or radiotherapy plan should be formulated according to the situation.

4. Persistent coughing or coughing up blood may also be an early sign of throat cancer, especially when the cough is associated with risk factors such as smoking or drinking. Tumor growth may cause local mucosal damage or bleeding, which manifests as blood in sputum or direct coughing up blood. In this case, you need to see a doctor immediately for a detailed respiratory examination and pathological analysis.

5. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are a common manifestation of the spread of throat cancer. In the early stage, it may appear as a painless mass on one or both sides of the neck. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate that the tumor has begun to metastasize to surrounding tissues or distant sites. Ultrasound or biopsy is required to clarify the nature of the tumor, and combined with a full-body examination to assess the stage of the disease.

The early symptoms of throat cancer may be similar to those of other common throat diseases, but you should be highly alert when they last for a long time and gradually worsen. Timely medical treatment and comprehensive examination are the key to early detection and treatment. Comprehensive treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can significantly improve the cure rate and quality of life.