Differentiation of benign and malignant vocal cord tumors

Be alert when a tumor appears on the vocal cords. Generally speaking, polyps on the vocal cords are quite common. Vocal cord polyps can be divided into benign and malignant. Benign polyps can be removed through surgery, while malignant polyps may spread if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is very important to distinguish between benign and malignant vocal cord tumors. If similar symptoms occur, go to the hospital for a good examination in time.

Differentiation of benign and malignant vocal cord tumors

Most vocal cord tumors are benign, while malignant vocal cord tumors are generally late-stage vocal cord cancer, manifested as cervical lymph node metastasis: it can metastasize to the deep middle cervical lymph nodes on the same side, and the late-stage symptoms of laryngeal cancer may metastasize to the opposite side. Coughing and blood in sputum: occurs after the cancer ruptures and is a common late-stage symptom of laryngeal cancer. Hoarseness: It is the earliest late-stage symptom of laryngeal cancer and is usually persistent and gradually worsens. The early symptoms of subglottic cancer are not obvious, while hoarseness is a symptom of the later stage. Difficulty breathing: It is one of the late symptoms of laryngeal cancer, indicating that the cancer has developed to the point of blocking the laryngeal cavity.

Some people may experience coughing and blood in their sputum: this is because the tumor contains a large number of abnormal new blood vessels, which occurs after the cancer ruptures. Patients often find blood in their mucus or sputum after coughing. This is mainly seen in patients with supraglottic and subglottic tumors and patients with mid-to-late stage vocal cord tumors. Early vocal cord tumors generally do not cause bleeding. Inner ear pain: Late-stage symptoms of laryngeal cancer can cause reflex pain in the nerves. When laryngeal cancer develops to a certain level and ulcers and severe inflammation occur in the throat.

Symptoms of early vocal cord tumors

The growth characteristics of vocal cord cancer are determined by its unique anatomy. First, the true vocal cords have very sparse lymphatic drainage except for the posterior commissure, so early lesions rarely metastasize; second, tumors on the surface of the vocal cords first spread through the elastic membrane in the larynx, invading the vocal cord muscles and para-vocal spaces, which is their final route out of the larynx through the cricothyroid space. Vocal cord cancer can cause symptoms early in the disease because even the slightest change in the surface of the vocal cords can cause a change in the voice.

Treatment of vocal cord tumors

The cure rate of vocal cord carcinoma in situ is high, and the same therapeutic effect can be achieved by microsurgery, laser or radiotherapy. If the tumor is confined to the basement membrane, microsurgery can be used, and the specimen should be carefully examined for microinvasive cancer. If microinvasive cancer is found, postoperative radiotherapy should be performed. If mucosal motility is restricted and invasion of the lamina propria is suspected, radiotherapy should be the first choice. For early vocal cord cancer (T1 or T2), radiotherapy or partial laryngectomy can achieve good local control. Patients who fail radiotherapy can often be successfully saved by hemilaryngectomy. Therefore, for patients who are first treated with radiotherapy, there are still salvage measures even if the treatment fails. When surgical treatment is the first choice for T1 vocal cord cancer, such as laryngeal dehiscence and vocal cord resection, the survival rate is 84-96%.

Dietary principles for vocal cord tumors

1. Eat less fried, pan-fried, greasy, overly sweet and salty foods, and be careful not to overheat or overcool the food. Overheated food can easily cause congestion of the throat mucosa, affecting pronunciation and resonance.

2. Avoid smoking, drinking, spicy food, coffee, strong tea and all other irritating foods, such as ginger, pickled mustard, garlic, mustard, etc.

3. Eat less or no food that is easy to cause heat and heat, such as Chinese mustard greens, leeks, etc., and eat more mung beans, lilies, loofahs, lentils, kelp, winter melon, etc.

4. Eat less or no fried seeds, peanuts and other nuts, because they are hot and can damage the Yin. At the same time, a large amount of saliva is lost in the process of eating, which further damages the Yin and makes the throat lack of moisture and nourishment.

5. Too cold food can cause abnormal contraction of throat muscles and vasospasm, obstruct venous blood return, cause mucosal damage, and affect the normal function of laryngeal muscles and vocal cords.

6. Eat more fruits and green vegetables, honey, soy products, eggs, etc. These light foods are beneficial for moistening the throat, clearing the throat and opening the voice. They also contain a variety of vitamins and inorganic salts, which are beneficial for maintaining health.