Early symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer

There are two types of nasopharyngeal cancer: primary and secondary. Primary laryngeal cancer refers to tumors that originate in the larynx, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. Secondary laryngeal cancer refers to malignant tumors from other parts of the body that metastasize to the larynx, which is relatively rare. The main symptoms of laryngeal cancer are hoarseness, dyspnea, cough, dysphagia, and cervical lymph node metastasis.

Symptoms of early laryngeal cancer:

1. Stubborn hoarseness. Laryngeal cancer affects the vocal cords the most. Even if the volume is small, hoarseness will occur. Hoarseness is the earliest sign of laryngeal cancer. Adults who have unexplained hoarseness for more than two weeks should undergo a detailed throat examination and should not take it lightly. Because the patient does not feel any pain or itching at this time, they often mistakenly think it is caused by a "cold" or "pharyngitis". However, hoarseness caused by colds and inflammation will quickly improve as the inflammation subsides, while hoarseness caused by laryngeal cancer will progressively worsen, and gradually develop into a coarser and hoarse voice, until complete loss of voice.

2. Abnormal sensation in the throat Foreign body sensation, urgency or swallowing discomfort are early symptoms of supraglottic laryngeal cancer. However, the initial symptoms of this type of cancer are often not obvious and are not discovered until the second or third stage. Tracing the medical history, it can take several months. If middle-aged and elderly people have throat discomfort, they should undergo a comprehensive and detailed examination. They must not treat it hastily as pharyngeal paresthesia or chronic pharyngitis, which will delay the precious treatment opportunity.

3. Coughing with blood in sputum. Due to the stimulation of the tumor, it can cause irritating dry coughs with blood in the sputum. Patients often feel sticky mucus, so they often "wash their throats". When the tumor grows larger, it will block the airway, making it difficult for tracheal secretions to be discharged, causing respiratory infections, wheezing and even dyspnea. In the middle and late stages, it will manifest as persistent coughs and changes in pronunciation.

4. Reflex pain When laryngeal cancer is combined with ulcers, inflammation or laryngeal cartilage periostitis, it can cause reflex pain in the nerves, manifested as headache and ear pain on the same side. These symptoms mainly occur in patients with supraglottic tumors.

5. Neck tumors Some supraglottic laryngeal cancers may metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes and cause neck tumors in the early stages. Avoid spicy, dry, hot, toxic and stimulating foods, and eat a light diet. Choose foods that are easy to digest, nutritious and delicious.