How to determine if it is throat cancer
Nov 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, determining whether a condition is laryngeal cancer involves comprehensive evaluation based on typical symptoms and medical examinations. Key diagnostic criteria primarily include persistent hoarseness, abnormal throat discomfort, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, unusual neck masses, and professional medical tests. If any of the above symptoms occur, one should be vigilant and seek timely medical attention at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to avoid long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as overusing the voice.
Generally, determining whether a condition is laryngeal cancer involves a comprehensive assessment based on typical symptoms and medical examinations. The key diagnostic criteria mainly include persistent hoarseness, abnormal throat discomfort, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, unusual neck masses, and professional medical tests. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Persistent Hoarseness: Hoarseness is the most common early sign of laryngeal cancer, especially among patients with vocal cord cancer, who often experience this as the initial symptom. Unlike temporary hoarseness caused by a cold, this type persists for more than two weeks and shows no significant improvement after rest or medication. Some patients may gradually develop a rougher, deeper voice, or even complete voice loss.
2. Abnormal Throat Discomfort: Patients often feel a foreign body sensation, dryness, or dull pain in the throat, with pain possibly worsening during swallowing. The discomfort is usually localized and does not disappear with swallowing. Some individuals may frequently clear their throats without relief.
3. Difficulty in Swallowing and Breathing: As the disease progresses, tumor growth may compress the entrance of the esophagus or airway, causing a sensation of blockage when swallowing, particularly noticeable with solid foods. Airway compression can lead to breathing difficulties, manifesting as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and worsening symptoms after physical activity.
4. Unusual Neck Masses: Some patients develop painless lumps on the side or lower part of the neck, often due to tumor metastasis to cervical lymph nodes. These masses are typically hard, poorly defined, and have limited mobility. They may gradually enlarge over a short period and usually do not cause significant pain upon pressing.
5. Professional Medical Examinations: The above symptoms serve only as preliminary indicators; definitive diagnosis requires professional evaluation. Laryngoscopy allows direct visualization of the mucosa and tumor morphology in the larynx. Pathological biopsy, involving tissue sampling and analysis, is the gold standard for confirming laryngeal cancer. Imaging studies help determine the extent of the tumor and whether metastasis has occurred.
If any of the above symptoms occur, one should remain vigilant and seek timely medical attention at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, excessive voice use, and reduce irritation to the throat to lower the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.
