Potential Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Suspected laryngeal cancer?

Hello Dr.
Cheng, I would like to ask a few questions: My family member experienced hoarseness and loss of voice in April of this year and sought treatment at a major hospital, where an unknown polyp was found in the throat.
The doctor arranged for hospitalization and after removal, the biopsy results indicated abnormal cellular proliferation, but it was not cancer.
The doctor advised regular follow-ups for observation.
However, this October, my family member experienced abnormal throat pain again.
Initially, we thought it was just a cold, but I suggested going to the hospital for another endoscopic examination.
After the examination, the doctor found that another abnormal polyp had developed and scheduled surgery to obtain deeper tissue samples for testing.
This time, the doctor mentioned that if cancer cells are present, radiation therapy may be necessary, which has caused us some anxiety.

I would like to ask Dr.
Cheng: 1.
If the biopsy results from this hospitalization still indicate abnormal cellular proliferation, are there other testing methods, such as blood tests, MRI, or others, to confirm whether it is cancer? (We would like the doctor to arrange for these tests.) 2.
If the tests confirm cancer, aside from radiation therapy and surgical removal, are there other treatment options that may lead to a complete cure? Thank you for your assistance, Dr.
Cheng.

Mr. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/28

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello,
1.
Whether it is merely abnormal cell proliferation or cancer still requires a biopsy for definitive diagnosis; blood tests or imaging studies can only provide reference information.

2.
If cancer is confirmed, radiation therapy or surgical resection is necessary for treatment.
As for which method is suitable, further discussion with the clinical physician is recommended.

Wishing you peace and good health.

Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng.

Reply Date: 2015/10/28

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your family member's throat condition. It’s understandable to feel anxious given the circumstances, especially with the recurrence of abnormal growths in the throat. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Further Testing for Abnormal Cell Growth: If the upcoming biopsy reveals only atypical hyperplasia (abnormal cell growth) and not cancer, it is crucial to continue monitoring the situation closely. However, if there is still a strong suspicion of malignancy, additional tests may be warranted. While blood tests can provide some information, they are generally not definitive for throat cancer. Imaging studies such as an MRI or a CT scan can be useful in assessing the extent of any lesions and determining if there is any spread of disease. These imaging modalities can help visualize the throat and surrounding structures, providing a clearer picture of what is happening. If there is a concern for cancer, a PET scan may also be considered to evaluate metabolic activity in the tissues.

2. Treatment Options if Cancer is Confirmed: Should the biopsy results indicate cancer, treatment options will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatment modalities for throat cancer include:
- Surgery: This is often the first line of treatment for localized cancers. The goal is to remove the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure clear margins.

- Radiation Therapy: This can be used either as a primary treatment or adjuvantly after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It is particularly effective for cancers that are not amenable to surgery or for patients who may not tolerate surgery well.

- Chemotherapy: This may be used in conjunction with radiation therapy, especially in cases of advanced cancer or when surgery is not an option. Chemotherapy can help shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or eliminate remaining cancer cells post-surgery (adjuvant therapy).

- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer, targeted therapies or immunotherapies may be appropriate. These treatments aim to attack cancer cells more specifically and can sometimes lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

- Clinical Trials: If standard treatments are not effective or suitable, participating in clinical trials may provide access to new therapies that are being studied.

It’s important to have a thorough discussion with the healthcare team about the best treatment plan tailored to your family member's specific situation. They can provide guidance on the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.

In conclusion, while the situation is understandably concerning, there are various avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Continuous monitoring and open communication with the healthcare providers will be key in managing this condition. Please ensure that your family member attends all follow-up appointments and discusses any new symptoms or concerns with their doctor.

Best wishes for your family member’s health, and do not hesitate to reach out for further clarification or support.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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