Early symptoms and signs of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer refers to a malignant tumor that occurs in the tissues of the larynx. It is mainly divided into primary laryngeal cancer and secondary laryngeal cancer. Primary laryngeal cancer refers to a tumor that originates in the larynx, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. Secondary laryngeal cancer refers to a malignant tumor from other parts of the body that metastasizes to the larynx, which is relatively rare. Early symptoms and precursors of laryngeal cancer include hoarseness, persistent throat discomfort, coughing or coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and lumps in the neck. They are as follows:

1. Hoarseness: This is the most common symptom of laryngeal cancer patients in the early stage, mainly caused by the tumor invading the vocal cords. Hoarseness is characterized by persistence and continuous aggravation, but hoarseness caused by ordinary inflammation lasts for a short time and will recur. Hoarseness caused by laryngeal cancer usually lasts longer and will become more severe. If hoarseness occurs for more than two weeks, you must go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible.

2. Persistent throat discomfort: If you feel throat discomfort, pain or foreign body sensation, and these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor for examination as soon as possible.

3. Cough or coughing up blood: Patients with laryngeal cancer may have a persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by coughing up blood. Coughing up blood may be caused by the tumor damaging the blood vessels in the larynx.

4. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing: After laryngeal cancer grows larger, it will occupy the entire pharyngeal area, causing patients to experience symptoms of difficulty in swallowing and breathing.

5. Neck lumps: Laryngeal cancer may cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. You may feel a lump or swelling in the neck, most of which occurs below the angle of the jaw.

If you experience the above symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo appropriate examinations to rule them out. At the same time, you should take care to protect your throat and avoid bad habits such as overuse of the throat and smoking. If you are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, you can take comprehensive treatment measures such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunosuppressive therapy according to the doctor's advice.