Will throat cancer cause breathing difficulties?

Throat cancer may cause breathing difficulties, especially when the tumor expands and squeezes the airway, or causes airway narrowing and obstruction, which is one of the more serious symptoms of throat cancer. If you have breathing difficulties, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a clear diagnosis and control the disease. Treatment methods include drug intervention, surgical treatment, and multidisciplinary comprehensive methods such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

1 Causes of breathing difficulties caused by throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer refers to a malignant tumor in the throat that causes abnormal proliferation of local tissues. When the tumor is small, the impact on the airway may not be obvious, but as it gradually grows, it may compress the trachea, vocal cords, and even block the airway. Tumor development may also cause laryngeal edema and local infection, further exacerbating symptoms of dyspnea. Some patients with laryngeal cancer may also experience compression of blood vessels or nerves, further worsening the condition.

2 Ways to treat throat cancer and improve breathing difficulties

For breathing difficulties caused by laryngeal cancer, treatment requires comprehensive measures based on the condition:

① Drug treatment: The use of glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone can reduce local edema, thereby alleviating the impact of airway stenosis on breathing. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to control the risk of infection.

②Surgical treatment: Early-stage laryngeal cancer can be treated with surgical resection of the lesion, with common methods including "partial laryngectomy" or "total laryngectomy". If the tumor compresses the airway too severely, emergency tracheotomy may be required to ensure smooth breathing.

③Radiotherapy and chemotherapy: Radiotherapy is suitable for patients with limited lesions, and directly acts on the tumor through high-energy rays; chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells through drugs and is suitable for advanced or metastatic cases.

④ Auxiliary means: Oxygen therapy can be used to relieve hypoxia symptoms in the short term; at the same time, avoid smoking, excessive vocalization, etc. to reduce irritation to the throat.

3 Daily care and prevention suggestions

Patients need to have regular follow-up visits to monitor the progression of the disease. At the same time, they should choose light and mild foods such as vegetable porridge and soft stews, and keep the indoor air well-ventilated to avoid dust and toxic gas stimulation. Quitting smoking and drinking, paying attention to throat hygiene, and using voice moderately can also play a positive role in alleviating the condition.

Difficulty breathing caused by throat cancer is a relatively dangerous symptom and should be taken seriously. Once you feel difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or even suffocation, you should seek medical attention immediately to ensure that your airway is open and prevent worsening. Early detection, timely treatment, and maintaining healthy daily habits are the key to fighting throat cancer.