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Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the larynx, most commonly in the squamous epithelium. Based on its location, it can be classified into supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic types. Its development is closely related to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, and viral infections. Since the larynx is essential for phonation and breathing, tumor growth directly interferes with airway and vocal cord function.
Laryngeal cancer is most prevalent among middle-aged and elderly men. Globally, the incidence is higher in Western countries such as the United States, Germany, and Poland, while in Asia, China, India, and the Philippines are more affected. Particularly in Southeast Asia, due to widespread tobacco use and frequent occupational exposure, the disease shows a trend of affecting younger populations. Without timely treatment, the tumor may invade the trachea and pharynx, leading to respiratory failure, nutritional disorders, and even death.
Stage I: Localized lesion, mild symptoms
The tumor is confined to one anatomical region of the larynx without invading the vocal cords or affecting their movement. Symptoms usually include mild hoarseness or a foreign body sensation in the throat. At this stage, minimally invasive surgery or radiotherapy achieves a high cure rate, with a 5-year survival rate of 80%-90%.
Stage II: Local extension, noticeable hoarseness
Cancer cells have spread to the ipsilateral glottic region, possibly affecting vocal cord movement, causing worsening hoarseness, mild breathing difficulty, or cough. Combined radiotherapy or partial laryngectomy provides a 5-year survival rate of 60%-75%.
Stage III: Lymph node metastasis, restricted breathing
The tumor further invades laryngeal structures, involving one or both vocal cords, often with regional lymph node metastasis. Symptoms include breathing difficulty and painful swallowing. Comprehensive treatment is required, with the 5-year survival rate reduced to 35%-55%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, severe and complex symptoms
The tumor has spread beyond the larynx to distant sites such as the lungs, bones, or liver. Patients present with persistent severe throat pain, pharyngeal mass, bleeding, and severe dyspnea. Treatment mainly includes immune reconstruction cell therapy, targeted therapy, and chemoradiotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%.
1. Hoarseness
Hoarseness is the earliest typical symptom of laryngeal cancer, especially common in glottic cancers. The patient’s voice becomes rough and husky, initially intermittent and improving with rest, but progressively developing into persistent changes or even loss of voice. Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks without other causes such as a cold should raise strong suspicion.
2. Foreign body sensation in the throat or mild sore throat
Some patients experience a sensation of obstruction in the throat, with discomfort or pain during swallowing in the early stages. This symptom is usually caused by tumors located in the supraglottic or hypopharyngeal regions. The sensation is persistent and not relieved by eating.
3. Cough and hemoptysis
Cancer irritates the laryngeal mucosa or glottis, causing persistent irritating cough. Some patients may cough up blood-streaked sputum or experience increased secretions in the larynx. Although hemoptysis is not specific to laryngeal cancer, it is common in advanced stages and should be differentiated from pulmonary diseases.
4. Difficulty swallowing
As the tumor enlarges, especially when located at the pharyngeal-laryngeal junction or hypopharynx, swallowing food becomes difficult. Initially, solid food causes obstruction, which later progresses to choking on liquids, eventually making normal eating impossible.
5. Breathing difficulty and stridor
In advanced stages, patients often develop glottic narrowing, resulting in inspiratory breathing difficulties. They may experience shortness of breath and stridor, particularly worsened by physical activity or at night. Severe cases may require emergency tracheotomy to maintain airway patency.
6. Neck mass
When the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, painless hard lumps may appear in the side of the neck or under the jaw. These masses gradually enlarge and become immobile, indicating regional metastasis and disease progression.
7. Referred ear pain
Some patients experience tinnitus or unilateral ear pain, due to nerve conduction between the larynx and ear. This pain worsens during eating or swallowing. Unexplained ear pain without ear disease should raise concern for malignant throat conditions.
8. General weakness and weight loss
In late stages, long-term swallowing difficulties, reduced food intake, and tumor metabolism lead to significant weight loss, pale skin, fatigue, and overall weakness. These are typical signs of cancer cachexia.
9. Recurrent laryngitis-like episodes
Some patients are repeatedly diagnosed with “chronic laryngitis” in the early stages, but conventional treatments are ineffective or only provide temporary relief. These “pseudo-inflammatory” signs are misleading early tumor symptoms and should be carefully evaluated by laryngoscopy.
10. Speech difficulty and loss of voice
As the lesion further damages the vocal cords, patients may gradually develop difficulty speaking, weak voice, or complete inability to produce sound. This significantly impacts quality of life and indicates complete loss of vocal cord function.
The symptoms of laryngeal cancer are often subtle and easily mistaken for common throat conditions. Experts at United Life International Medical Center recommend that anyone with persistent hoarseness, throat discomfort, or neck masses undergo early laryngoscopy and histological examination. With the aid of advanced therapies such as immune reconstruction cell therapy, mid- to late-stage patients may achieve better disease control and improved quality of life.
