Is a tumor in the throat serious?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, the severity of a throat tumor mainly depends on the nature of the tumor. If it is a benign tumor, it is usually not considered very serious. However, if it is a malignant tumor, the condition is more severe. Benign throat tumors—such as nasopharyngeal fibrovascular polyps, pharyngeal lipomas, fibromas, and papillomas—often cause no noticeable symptoms when small.
In general, the severity of a throat tumor mainly depends on the nature of the tumor. If it is a benign tumor, it is usually not considered very serious. However, if it is a malignant tumor, the condition is more severe. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Not serious
Benign tumors in the throat—such as nasopharyngeal fibrovascular polyps, pharyngeal lipomas, fibromas, and papillomas—are often asymptomatic when small and are typically discovered incidentally during physical examination or evaluation for other throat conditions. Larger tumors may cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and in some cases may lead to difficulties with swallowing, breathing, or voice production. For tumors of the pharynx and larynx, a biopsy (histopathological examination of tissue) is necessary for definitive diagnosis. If the tumor is benign, surgical removal is usually effective, with good treatment outcomes, low recurrence rates, and is generally not considered serious.
2. Serious
Malignant tumors in the throat are mostly squamous cell carcinomas, which represent a serious medical condition. These tumors commonly cause discomfort or pain in the throat, hoarseness, and, as the cancer progresses, may lead to difficulty swallowing, coughing while eating, and breathing difficulties. Malignant tumors can spread locally or metastasize to distant sites, may recur after treatment, and can be life-threatening.
Regardless of whether a throat tumor is benign or malignant, patients should follow medical advice and receive appropriate treatment upon diagnosis.
