Laryngeal cancer symptoms and signs

In the early stage of laryngeal cancer, supraglottic cancer may only cause discomfort in the throat or a foreign body sensation. As the tumor further develops, it may ulcerate, necrotize, or become infected, causing throat pain. The pain may radiate to the head, face, and ears on the same side and progressively worsen. It may also be accompanied by an irritating cough, sputum, blood in the sputum, or a foul odor. When the tumor compresses the esophagus or blocks the airway, swallowing disorders and breathing difficulties may occur. In the early stage of supraglottic cancer, there is generally no hoarseness. Hoarseness may occur when the tumor invades the ventricular zone, laryngeal ventricle, and vocal cords. The supraglottic region has abundant lymphatic drainage and lymph node metastasis.

Glottic cancer is the most common type of laryngeal cancer. Even a small tumor can affect the closure of the vocal cords. Hoarseness is the first symptom, which often worsens progressively. Stimulation from the tumor and local secretions can cause coughing. If the surface of the tumor ulcerates, there may be blood in the sputum. In the late stage, the tumor invades the surrounding area and blocks the glottis, which may cause throat pain and difficulty breathing. The cervical lymph nodes rarely metastasize.

Subglottic cancer is located in the subglottic area, which is generally hidden and often asymptomatic in the early stage. When the surface of the tumor ulcerates, coughing and blood in sputum may occur. The tumor invades the vocal cords and deep tissues upward, limiting the movement of the vocal cords, and hoarseness may occur. As the tumor gradually grows, it can block the airway and cause breathing difficulties. Once the above symptoms appear, it is no longer in the early stage when you come to the doctor. Late-stage cancer can directly invade the upper trachea, cricothyroid membrane, anterior cervical soft tissue and thyroid gland, and invade the anterior wall of the esophagus backwards.