How to check for throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in my country. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common, followed by basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, etc. Understanding the examination methods for laryngeal cancer can reduce errors and alleviate the condition. So how to check for laryngeal cancer?

1. Neck examination

It includes inspection and palpation of the laryngeal shape and cervical lymph nodes. For palpation of cervical lymph nodes, the distribution pattern of cervical lymph nodes should be followed, and the examination should be carried out step by step from top to bottom and from front to back to find out the location and size of the swollen lymph nodes.

2. Laryngoscopy

Indirect laryngoscopy is a commonly used method in clinical practice. Only when the indirect laryngoscopy examination is unsatisfactory or it is difficult to obtain pathology, direct laryngoscope and fiberoptic light guide can be used to further understand the situation of tumor invasion in the larynx, and tissue can be obtained in time for suspicious lesions and sent for pathological examination.

3. Imaging examination

(1) X-ray examination: X-ray lateral laryngeal films and anteroposterior laryngeal tomographic films can clarify the general location, size, shape of the lesion and changes in the cartilage, trachea or anterior cervical soft tissue. If necessary, laryngeal angiography can be performed.

(2) CT and MR examinations: They are helpful in determining the extent of tumor growth in the larynx, the extent of external invasion, and the status of cervical lymph node metastasis, which is especially helpful for patients in the advanced stage.

(3) Ultrasonic tomography: A method used to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, determine their location and relationship with surrounding tissues, and conduct follow-up examinations after postoperative radiotherapy. It has the advantages of being non-destructive, convenient, accurate, low-cost, and can be performed repeatedly.