5 signs of laryngeal cancer that many people often ignore

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Director of K Hospital, said that laryngeal cancer is one of the nasopharyngeal cancers. Early stage laryngeal cancer does not have obvious symptoms, so patients often ignore them, easily confusing them with other common diseases.

Laryngeal cancer is mainly found in men, accounting for over 90%; in the age group of 50-70, it accounts for 72%, from 40-50 years old, it accounts for 12%. However, nowadays, the age of the disease is getting younger and women are also getting laryngeal cancer more.

If laryngeal cancer symptoms are detected early, the cure rate is 80%, but most cases are subjective and lack understanding, so the disease has progressed to a late stage.

Below are 5 signs of laryngeal cancer that you need to know to get the most effective treatment if you are unfortunate enough to have it.

1. Hoarseness

Specialists warn: If hoarseness lasts for more than 3 weeks, especially in people over 40 years old, it is necessary to get tested and examined promptly. This is an early symptom of laryngeal cancer, common and sometimes the only one in many patients.

2. Cough

Coughing is a symptom of many respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, ... but it is also a common sign of laryngeal cancer, so be careful. When suffering from this disease, the cough is more discreet and has an irritating nature, sometimes with spasmodic coughs. In the late stages, patients also have difficulty swallowing, choking on food, and secretions into the airways, causing coughing fits.

3. Shortness of breath

Dyspnea may appear early or at the same time as hoarseness. As the tumor grows in size, the glottis becomes narrower. At first, dyspnea only occurs when exerting oneself (climbing stairs, carrying heavy objects, etc.), but later it becomes more obvious and frequent.

4. Difficulty swallowing

Often appearing after hoarseness and difficulty breathing, the tumor has spread to the throat area with signs of ear pain. Patients at this stage cannot eat rice, only eat porridge or drink milk, and even have to have a gastric tube inserted to pump food.

Unexplained weight loss along with the above abnormalities is clear evidence of laryngeal cancer. Therefore, you need to pay attention to timely examination to determine the condition and have an appropriate treatment plan.

Above are the signs of laryngeal cancer that people should be alert to when experiencing these symptoms.