According to Dr. Lê Xuân Cành, Deputy Director of the Central Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, laryngeal cancer is on the rise. This dangerous disease can be managed effectively, and patients can preserve both their lives and voices if detected early.
Hoarseness and Shortness of Breath: See a Doctor Immediately
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| Mr. Nguyễn Văn Dũng (53 years old, Hong Bang District, Hải Phòng) was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. He discovered his illness after experiencing persistent hoarseness for about five months. Fortunately, he underwent a partial laryngectomy and, about a week post-surgery on May 30, he was able to speak normally, although his voice had deepened significantly (Photo: N.Hà) |
The first sign of this disease is gradually increasing hoarseness that does not improve with the use of medications for laryngitis. As the tumor grows, the vocal cords become fixed, resulting in a deep, hoarse voice with short phrases that lack tonal quality, making speech difficult to understand.
Patients may begin to experience shortness of breath, initially only occurring during strenuous activities (such as climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects). Over time, this shortness of breath can become more persistent, with episodes of choking that may feel life-threatening.
Doctors recommend that if hoarseness persists for more than two weeks, especially in middle-aged individuals, and does not improve with anti-inflammatory medication, it is crucial to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist immediately. Patients with laryngeal papillomatosis or leukoplakia should undergo regular health check-ups to catch any potential progression to laryngeal cancer early.
If not detected in time and untreated, the disease can lead to rapid death (within 1-3 years) due to exhaustion, choking, or bleeding (resulting from cancer metastasizing to the lungs, bones, or liver). Late diagnosis (which was common over 10 years ago) occurs when the tumor has spread significantly, compressing the throat, requiring complete lymph node dissection and laryngectomy, resulting in permanent loss of the ability to speak. Currently, with early detection, patients may only need to have one vocal cord removed or half of the larynx excised, allowing them to breathe and speak, although their voices tend to be deeper and harder to understand.
Could Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Cause This Illness?
Dr. Cành notes a common factor in many esophageal cancer cases: patients often have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (commonly known as acid reflux). During treatment, doctors have uncovered this surprising link.
Laryngeal cancer may result from chronic laryngitis, which stems from several causes, including infections and exposure to toxins (such as tobacco smoke and vehicle exhaust). Gastroesophageal reflux can lead to notable inflammation. After eating, the muscle at the esophageal sphincter tightens, causing food to be pushed back up, and stomach acid can rise into the esophagus. This acid strongly affects the laryngeal mucosa, which lacks protective mechanisms against such acid. Consequently, patients may experience prolonged bronchitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. If this condition persists, fibrous tissue can form, narrowing the airway and causing increasing shortness of breath.
Dr. Cành explains that gastroesophageal reflux leads to laryngitis, causing swelling, heat, redness, and pain in the laryngeal area, often accompanied by fever. In children, laryngitis can cause severe shortness of breath, potentially leading to death.
Dr. Cành advises patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease to thoroughly treat their gastric issues to prevent abnormal inflammation in the nasal and throat regions. When experiencing acid reflux symptoms, it is essential to adjust eating habits, avoid lying down right after meals, and completely refrain from stimulants such as alcohol, beer, tobacco, and coffee. Proactive awareness is crucial in preventing this condition.
NGỌC HÀ
