Early symptoms and signs of laryngeal cancer

The early symptoms of laryngeal cancer are usually persistent hoarseness and throat pain, which are different from common laryngeal inflammation. Knowing these early signs can help you seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the disease.

1. Hoarseness: This is one of the most common early symptoms of laryngeal cancer. Unlike hoarseness caused by the common cold or laryngitis, hoarseness caused by laryngeal cancer usually lasts longer and is difficult to relieve with rest or conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. If hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

2. Throat pain: Laryngeal cancer may invade the nerves in the larynx, causing persistent throat pain. This pain is usually stubborn and will not be relieved by simple painkillers or other conventional treatments. The pain may worsen as the disease progresses, affecting daily life.

3. Difficulty breathing: As laryngeal cancer progresses, the tumor may affect the patency of the airway and cause difficulty breathing. This symptom may not be obvious in the early stages, but if you experience shortness of breath or wheezing, you should be alert to laryngeal health problems.

4. Dysphagia: Laryngeal cancer may affect the muscle function of the esophagus or larynx, causing difficulty or pain when swallowing food. This discomfort may gradually worsen and affect eating and nutritional intake.

5. Ear pain: Since the throat and ear nerves are interconnected, the pain caused by laryngeal cancer may radiate to the ear, causing ear pain. This situation is often mistaken for an ear disease and needs to be taken seriously.

6. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is also one of the potential signs of laryngeal cancer. Due to difficulty and pain in swallowing, patients may reduce their food intake, leading to weight loss.

7. Continuous cough or coughing up blood: Patients with laryngeal cancer may experience continuous coughing, and in severe cases may even cough up blood. This symptom usually indicates that the disease has progressed and requires immediate medical attention.

When faced with these symptoms, timely medical treatment is key. The doctor may make a diagnosis through laryngoscopy, imaging examination, etc. If laryngeal cancer is confirmed, early treatment can significantly increase the cure rate.

A healthy lifestyle is also an important measure to prevent laryngeal cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a good diet and regular physical examinations can all help reduce the risk of laryngeal cancer. Understanding this information and taking positive health measures can help us better protect the health of our larynx.