What are the symptoms of recurrence after surgery for early laryngeal cancer

Symptoms of early laryngeal cancer recurrence after surgery may include hoarseness, dysphagia, neck mass, etc. The cause of recurrence may be related to incomplete surgical resection, tumor biological characteristics, improper postoperative care, etc. Treatment methods include reoperation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc.

1. Hoarseness

Hoarseness is one of the common symptoms of laryngeal cancer recurrence after surgery. The tumor may invade the vocal cords or surrounding tissues, resulting in damage to the vocal cord function. If persistent hoarseness recurs after the voice is restored after surgery, be alert to the possibility of recurrence. It is recommended to seek medical attention in time and undergo laryngoscopy or imaging examination to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Dysphagia

Dysphagia may be related to the recurrence of the tumor compressing the esophagus or laryngeal structure. The patient may feel that food is stuck in the throat or chest, or even have pain. In this case, an endoscopy or CT scan is required to confirm the location and extent of the tumor. In terms of treatment, radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be used to shrink the tumor, and surgery can be performed again if necessary.

3. Neck lumps

Neck lumps are an important sign of laryngeal cancer recurrence, usually caused by lymph node metastasis. Patients may feel a lump in the neck, accompanied by pain or discomfort. Ultrasound or MRI examinations are recommended to clarify the nature of the lump. For treatment, lymph node dissection, radiotherapy or targeted therapy can be selected, and the specific plan needs to be formulated according to the condition.

4. Analysis of the causes of recurrence

The recurrence of early laryngeal cancer after surgery may be related to a variety of factors. Incomplete surgical resection is one of the main reasons, especially residual tumor margins. The biological characteristics of the tumor, such as high invasiveness or poor differentiation, can also increase the risk of recurrence. Improper postoperative care, such as bad habits such as smoking and drinking, may also promote recurrence.

5. Treatment methods

Treatment methods for laryngeal cancer recurrence after surgery need to be individualized. Reoperation is a common choice, especially in cases of local recurrence without extensive metastasis. Radiotherapy can be used to control local lesions and reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy or targeted therapy is suitable for patients with extensive metastasis or inoperable patients. Regular follow-up is required after surgery to monitor changes in the condition.

Early laryngeal cancer recurrence after surgery should be taken seriously. Patients should pay close attention to physical changes, such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck lumps, and seek medical attention in a timely manner. Scientific treatment and standardized follow-up can effectively control the disease and improve the quality of life. Maintaining good living habits after surgery and avoiding risk factors such as smoking and drinking can help reduce the risk of recurrence.