ENT Head & Neck Surgery Center

ENT Head & Neck Surgery Center

Rm 02, 5/F., Kai Seng Commerical Centre,
4-6 Hankow Road, TST Kln, HK
(near Kowloon Hotel)
Tel: (852) 3100 0555
Fax: (852) 3100 0556

Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor

扁桃腺癌:認識各期症狀及病因,及早識別與治療!

 

「55歲的鄭先生有長期吸煙、酗酒的習慣,最近喉嚨持續疼痛,進食時也感到難以吞咽而求診。口腔檢查發現鄭先生一側扁桃腺腫大和表面潰瘍,經活檢確診為《扁桃腺癌》。由於發現較晚,癌細胞已向頸部淋巴結轉移,治療上需綜合手術、放療和化療。」

 

 

扁桃腺癌是什麼?

扁桃腺癌(Tonsil Cancer)是原發於扁桃腺組織的惡性腫瘤,多屬鱗狀細胞癌類型,也是頭頸癌的一種。在香港,扁桃腺癌發病年齡,大多是45歲以上人士,並以男性患者較多。扁桃腺癌分為四期,由於早期症狀及病徵不明顯,易被忽視。很多時,都是在癌細胞擴散到身體其他部位,出現其他相關症狀才引起關注。這也是為什麼很多病人確診扁桃腺癌時,已屬第三、四期的末期階段。

 

 

扁桃腺癌常見症狀及傷害是什麼?

早期症狀:

  • 咽喉有異物感或輕微疼痛,容易被誤當成一段的咽喉炎治理。
  • 一邊扁桃腺腫大,表面粗糙或潰瘍,喉嚨痛及張口困難。

 

進展期症狀:

  • 劇烈的咽喉疼痛,同一側的耳朵出現耳鳴、痛楚,痛楚無法緩解。
  • 吞咽困難、聲音嘶啞、頸部出現無痛腫塊(這是頸淋巴結轉移症狀)。
  • 體重驟降、呼吸困難(這是腫瘤阻塞氣道)。

 

後期症狀:

  • 遠處轉移至肺、肝等器官,引起相關症狀,甚致器官衰竭。

 

 

扁桃腺癌病因是什麼?

主要風險因素:

  • HPV病毒感染:70%的扁桃腺癌與HPV有關,特別是高危型如HPV-16。
  • 長期炎症刺激:慢性扁桃腺炎反復發作,可能導致細胞變異。
  • 吸煙酗酒:煙草和酒精協同損傷黏膜,是重要的誘發因素。
  • 環境暴露:長期接觸化學物質或放射線。
  • 免疫抑制:如愛滋病患者或器官移植病人患病風險較高。

 

 

扁桃腺癌診斷方法有哪些?

  • 喉內鏡檢查:通過喉鏡觀檢查扁桃腺形態及病變情況,也要檢查頸部淋巴結。
  • 病理活檢:抽取組織化驗。
  • CT/MRI掃描:評估腫瘤大小及侵犯範圍。
  • PET-CT掃描:檢測腫瘤是否出現全身轉移。
  • HPV檢測:明確了解患病是否跟病毒感染相關,用作指導治療方案。

 

 

扁桃腺癌治療方法有哪些?

根據分期選擇治療方案,一般採用綜合治療方法,大致如下:

 

手術治療:

早期局限腫瘤可切除扁桃腺及周圍組織,保留功能。

晚期需擴大切除並清掃頸部淋巴結。

 

放射治療:

對放療敏感的腫瘤(如HPV陽性)可單獨或手術後使用。

精準放療技術(如調強放療)減少對正常組織的損傷。

 

化療與標靶治療:

晚期或復發病人,採用標靶藥物治療。

免疫療法(如PD-1抑制劑):對於晚期、復發或轉移的扁桃腺癌,免疫治療有顯著效果。

 

 

如你有任何耳鼻喉問題,請立即聯絡香港耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心,由我們的耳鼻喉專科醫生為你詳細診治(電話3100 0555)。

 

 

資料來源:

香港耳鼻喉專科

耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心

提供耳鼻喉科服務、頭及頸外科服務

聽力及言語治療、驗配助聽器服務

人工耳蝸植入、睡眠障礙治療

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

Tongue Cancer: Don’t Let Ulcers Become a Crisis — A Comprehensive Guide to Early Detection, Prevention, and Treatment

 

Case Study:
“Mr. Gu, a 52-year-old with a 20-year smoking history and chronic alcohol use, noticed an ulcer on the right side of his tongue six months ago. Initially mistaken for a common mouth ulcer, it failed to heal despite repeated topical treatments. The ulcer gradually enlarged, accompanied by swallowing pain and speech difficulties. Medical evaluation confirmed ‘tongue cancer’ via biopsy, with CT scans revealing cervical lymph node metastasis. Treatment involved partial tongue resection, neck lymph node dissection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. His condition is now stable, but long-term follow-up is required.”

 

 

What is Tongue Cancer?
Tongue cancer, the most common type of oral cancer, originates from squamous epithelial cells on the tongue’s surface. It is categorized as:

  • Anterior two-thirds tongue cancer (oral tongue cancer):More common, with noticeable early symptoms.
  • Base-of-tongue cancer (oropharyngeal cancer):Often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its hidden location.

Tongue cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis (especially to cervical lymph nodes), but early detection significantly improves cure rates.

 

Symptoms of Tongue Cancer:
Early signs may mimic common ulcers. Warning signals include:

  • Non-healing oral ulcers:Ulcers or red patches persisting over two weeks.
  • Pain or numbness:Discomfort while eating, speaking, or localized numbness.
  • Abnormal lumps:Thickened tongue texture, hard masses, or cauliflower-like growths.
  • Difficulty swallowing:Common in advanced stages.
  • Unexplained bleeding:Easily triggered by touching ulcers or lumps.
  • Worsening bad breath:Caused by tumor necrosis or infection.
  • Neck lumps:Indicative of lymph node metastasis.
  • Voice changes:Hoarseness if the tumor invades the tongue base.

 

Risk Factors:

  • Smoking and alcohol:Synergistically increase risk by over 15-fold.
  • HPV infection:Particularly HPV16, linked to base-of-tongue cancer (rising in younger patients).
  • Poor oral hygiene:Chronic periodontitis, sharp teeth, or ill-fitting dentures causing mucosal damage.
  • Dietary habits:Consuming extremely hot, pickled, or betel nut products.
  • Genetics:Family history of oral cancer.

 

Diagnosis Methods:

  • Physical examination:Visual inspection and palpation of lesions.
  • Oral endoscopy:Detailed examination of the tongue and throat.
  • Biopsy:Pathological analysis of tissue samples.
  • Imaging:
    • CT/MRI:Assess tumor size, depth, and lymph node involvement.
    • PET-CT:Detect systemic metastasis.
  • HPV testing:Guides treatment and prognosis; HPV-related tumors often respond better to therapy.

 

Treatment Approaches:

  1. Early-stage (I-II):
    • Surgery:Primary treatment with tumor excision and safe margins. Minimally invasive robotic surgery for base-of-tongue cancer.
    • Radiotherapy:For small, superficial tumors or patients unsuitable for surgery.
  2. Advanced-stage (III-IV):
    • Combined therapy:Surgery + radiotherapy ± chemotherapy.
    • Targeted therapy:Anti-EGFR agents (e.g., cetuximab).
    • Immunotherapy:PD-1 inhibitors for recurrent/metastatic cases.
  3. Functional and aesthetic reconstruction:
    • Flap reconstruction:Uses autologous tissue (e.g., forearm flap) to repair defects.
    • Speech and swallowing rehabilitation:Post-surgical training.
  4. Follow-up and recurrence prevention:
    • Regular oral exams and imaging (every 3-6 months for the first two years).
    • Smoking/alcohol cessation and oral hygiene maintenance.
    • HPV vaccination (preventive measure).

 

Early detection is critical! Seek immediate medical attention if tongue ulcers persist beyond two weeks. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.

 

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

舌癌:別讓潰瘍變成危機 — 及早發現、預防及治療全解

 

「52歲古先生,有20年吸煙史且長期飲酒。半年前發現舌頭右側有一處潰瘍,起初以為是普通口腔潰瘍,但反復塗抹藥物後仍未癒合。潰瘍逐漸擴大,伴隨吞咽疼痛和說話困難。就醫後,通過活檢確診為「舌癌」,CT檢查發現頸部淋巴結轉移。經手術切除部分舌頭、頸部淋巴結清掃,並配合放療和化療,目前病情穩定,但需長期隨訪。」

 

 

舌癌是什麼癌症?

舌癌是口腔癌中最常見的類型,起源於舌頭表面的鱗狀上皮細胞,屬惡性癌細胞。根據發病的部位可分為:

  • 舌前2/3癌(口腔舌癌):佔多數,早期症狀較明顯。
  • 舌根癌(口咽癌):位置隱蔽,發現時可能已進展到中晚期。

舌癌具有侵襲性強、易轉移(尤其是頸部淋巴結)的特點,但早期發現治癒率較高。

 

 

舌癌症狀有哪些?

舌癌早期可能被誤認為普通口腔潰瘍,一旦有下列信號,就要警惕:

難以癒合的口腔潰瘍:如果舌頭出現潰瘍或紅斑,超過2周仍未癒合,就要留意。

  • 疼痛或麻木:進食、說話時疼痛,或舌頭局部麻木感。
  • 異常腫塊:感到舌頭增厚、有硬塊或菜花樣腫物。
  • 吞咽困難:晚期可能影響進食。
  • 不明原因出血:觸碰潰瘍或腫塊時易出血。
  • 口臭加重:因腫瘤壞死或感染引起。
  • 頸部腫塊:舌癌易出現頸淋巴結轉移。
  • 聲音改變:腫瘤侵犯舌根可能導致聲音嘶啞。

 

 

舌癌的誘發病因是什麼?

舌癌是多種因素共同作用的結果,主要風險包括:

  • 吸煙與飲酒:兩者協同作用使風險增加15倍以上。
  • HPV感染:尤其是HPV16型,與舌根癌密切相關(年輕患者比例上升)。
  • 口腔衛生差:長期牙周炎、尖銳牙齒或不合適假牙,長期磨損舌頭黏膜。
  • 飲食習慣:長期食用過熱燙、醃制或檳榔。
  • 遺傳因素:家族中有口腔癌病史者風險較高。

 

 

舌癌如何診斷?

  • 初步檢查:醫生通過視診、觸診判斷腫塊位置和範圍。
  • 口腔鏡:觀察舌部及咽喉細節。
  • 活檢:取病變組織進行病理分析,明確是否為惡性。
  • 影像學檢查:
  • CT/MRI:評估腫瘤大小、深度及淋巴結轉移。
  • PET-CT:可排查有否出現全身轉移。
  • HPV檢測:指導治療和預後判斷,相較其他舌癌種類而言,HPV相關的舌癌有較好的治療反應和存活率。

 

 

舌癌的治療方法是什麼?

1.早期(I-II期)

手術切除:優先選擇,切除腫瘤及周圍安全邊界。機器人微創手術用於舌根癌,減少創傷。

放射治療:適用於淺表小腫瘤,無法手術或保留舌功能的需求的病人。

 

2.中晚期(III-IV期)

綜合治療:手術 + 放療 ± 化療。

靶向治療:針對EGFR過表達(如西妥昔單抗)。

免疫治療:PD-1抑制劑用於復發或癌細胞擴散或轉移患者。

 

3.功能與外觀修復

皮瓣重建術:用患者自身組織(如前臂皮瓣)修復舌頭缺損。

語言與吞咽康復:術後需專業訓練恢復功能。

 

4.隨訪與預防復發

  • 定期口腔檢查、影像複查(前2年每3-6個月一次)。
  • 戒煙戒酒、保持口腔衛生。
  • 接種HPV疫苗(預防相關類型)、

 

 

及早發現舌癌至關重要!若舌部潰瘍超過2周仍不痊癒,請立即就醫。如你有任何耳鼻喉問題,請聯絡香港耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心,由我們的耳鼻喉專科醫生為你詳細診治(電話3100 0555)。

 

 

資料來源:

香港耳鼻喉專科

耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心

提供耳鼻喉科服務、頭及頸外科服務

聽力及言語治療、驗配助聽器服務

人工耳蝸植入、睡眠障礙治療

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

New Perspectives in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: From Classification Analysis to Breakthroughs in Precision Therapy

 

Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer encompasses a group of malignancies arising in the head and neck region, including cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, sinuses, and, in some classifications, thyroid cancer. Symptoms vary widely and may include non-healing oral ulcers, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, red/white patches on oral mucosa, or neck masses.

 

Most cases are linked to tobacco or alcohol use, with emerging risks from e-cigarettes. HPV infection is increasingly associated with these cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cases. Other risk factors include betel nut chewing, radiation exposure, malnutrition, and occupational exposure to carcinogens. Over 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Diagnosis involves biopsy, imaging, and blood tests to assess disease progression.

 

Preventive measures include abstaining from tobacco/alcohol, regular dental check-ups, and HPV vaccination. Treatments combine surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Early-stage cancers have high cure rates, but approximately 50% of patients present with advanced-stage disease.

 

Classification of Head and Neck Cancer

Malignancies in the head and neck region include:

  • Oral cancers: Tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and lip cancers.
  • Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers: Tumors of the vocal cords, larynx, and hypopharynx.
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), prevalent in Asian populations.
  • Oropharyngeal cancer: Includes tonsillar and base-of-tongue cancers, increasingly linked to HPV.
  • Salivary gland cancers: Parotid, submandibular gland tumors.
  • Thyroid cancer: Included in some classifications.
  • Nasal and sinus tumors: Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, etc.

The WHO 5th edition classification introduces dedicated sections for familial tumor syndromes (e.g., Gorlin syndrome, Cowden syndrome) and soft tissue tumors.

 

According to Hong Kong Cancer data (2010–2020), head and neck cancer incidence rose by 25% in Hong Kong. In China, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for over 90% of cases:

  • HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Represents >70% of cases in Western countries; China reports 25%–37% HPV positivity, rising annually.
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Endemic in southern China, linked to EBV, contributing to >40% of global cases.
  • Key risk factors: Smoking, alcohol, betel nut chewing, HPV/EBV infection.

 

Latest Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy

  • PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now first-line treatments for recurrent/metastatic cases, improving 2-year survival rates to >50%.
  • Combination therapies: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or targeted drugs enhances efficacy.

 

Precision Radiotherapy and Surgical Innovations

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): Reduces damage to healthy tissues, ideal for early-stage patients.
  • Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): Used for early oropharyngeal cancer, offering precise resection with functional preservation (though long-term quality of life may slightly lag behind radiotherapy).
  • Endoscopic surgery: For recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, improves survival by 17.8% compared to re-irradiation, with fewer side effects.

 

Targeted Therapy

  • EGFR inhibitors: Cetuximab for advanced-stage patients.
  • Anti-angiogenic drugs: Inhibit tumor blood vessel formation.

 

Molecular Testing-Guided Treatment

  • HPV/p16 testing, PD-L1 expression analysis, and EBV detection inform personalized treatment strategies.

 

For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.

 

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

頭頸癌診療新視野:從分類解析到精準治療的新突破!

 

頭頸癌簡介

頭頸癌是一組發生在頭頸部區域的惡性腫瘤,頭頸癌只是這些疾病的總稱,它實際涵蓋了多種發生頭部和頸部區域發生的癌症,包括口腔、喉、咽喉、唾液腺、鼻子和鼻竇、部分分類也將甲狀腺癌歸入頭頸癌範疇。這些癌症的症狀多樣性,包括口腔出現久久不能癒合的潰瘍、聲音變化、吞嚥困難、口腔黏膜紅白斑塊或頸部腫塊等。

 

大多數頭頸癌的病因跟使用酒精或煙草有關,近年的電子煙也是誘因之一。除此之外,越來越多的病例與HPV人類乳突病毒有關。其他風險因素包括病毒、嚼食檳榔、輻射、營養不良以及長期接觸某些有毒物質的職業。頭頸癌中有90%屬於鱗狀細胞癌。診斷方式一般是組織活檢,造影和血液檢查等可評估癌症進展的程度。

 

預防頭頸癌的方法包括禁戒煙草或酒精,定期做牙科檢查,接種HPV疫苗。治療方法包括手術、放射治療、化療和標靶治療等組合。早期的頭頸癌治癒率高,但約50%的病人在病情進展到晚期時才就醫。

 

 

頭頸癌的分類

發生在頭頸部區域的惡性腫瘤,主要包括以下部位和類型:

  • 口腔癌:如舌癌、頰黏膜癌、牙齦癌、唇癌等。
  • 喉癌和下咽癌:聲帶、喉部及下咽部腫瘤。
  • 鼻咽癌:與EB病毒(Epstein-Barr virus)感染密切相關,常見於亞洲人群。
  • 口咽癌:包括扁桃體癌和舌根部癌,近年與HPV(人乳頭瘤病毒)感染相關的病例顯著增加。
  • 唾液腺癌:如腮腺、下頜下腺腫瘤。
  • 甲狀腺癌:部分分類也歸入頭頸癌範疇。
  • 鼻腔及鼻竇腫瘤:如鱗癌、腺癌等。

 

此外,世界衛生組織(WHO)第5版頭頸腫瘤分類新增了對「家族性腫瘤綜合徵」和「軟組織腫瘤」的專門章節,例如與基因突變相關的Gorlin綜合徵、Cowden綜合徵等。

 

另外,根據香港癌症資料統計中心的數據,由2010至2020年這十年間,香港頭頸癌新症上升25%。中國也類近,就中國臨床數據,頭頸部鱗狀細胞癌(HNSCC)是最常見的類型,佔所有頭頸癌的90%以上。其中:

  • HPV相關口咽癌:在歐美國家佔口咽癌的70%以上,中國近年感染率約25%-37%,且逐年上升。
  • 鼻咽癌:在中國南方高發,與EB病毒感染密切相關,佔全球鼻咽癌病例的40%以上。
  • 高風險因素:吸煙、酗酒、嚼檳榔、HPV/EB病毒感染。

 

 

最新治療頭頸癌技術

 

免疫治療

  • PD-1/PD-L1抑制劑:如Pembrolizumab、Nivolumab已成為復發/轉移性頭頸癌的一線治療。臨床試驗顯示,免疫治療可將2年生存率提高至50%以上。
  • 綜合療法:免疫藥物加化療或標靶藥物協同應用,可提升療效。。

 

精準放療與手術革新

  • 調控放射治療(IMRT):IMRT是一種先進的放射治療,減少對正常組織損傷,適用於早期患者。
  • 達文西手臂機器人手術(TORS):用於早期口咽癌,切除精準且保留功能,但長期生活質量可能略遜於放療。
  • 內鏡手術:針對復發鼻咽癌,生存率較再程放療提高8%,且副作用更低。

 

標靶治療/靶向治療

  • EGFR抑制劑: Cetuximab適用於晚期患者。
  • 抗血管生成藥物:能抑制腫瘤血管生成。

 

分子檢測指導治療

  • HPV/p16檢測、PD-L1表達分析、EB病毒檢測等,用於制定針對性治療方案。

 

 

有任何耳鼻喉問題,請立即聯絡香港耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心,由我們的耳鼻喉專科醫生為你詳細診治(電話3100 0555)。

 

 

資料來源:

香港耳鼻喉專科

耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心

提供耳鼻喉科服務、頭及頸外科服務

聽力及言語治療、驗配助聽器服務

人工耳蝸植入、睡眠障礙治療

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

ocal Cord Cancer: When the Voice Becomes Hoarse, Be Alert to This Early Sign

 

Case Study

“Mr. Jia, 56 years old, experienced breathing difficulties and hoarseness for two years, with symptoms worsening recently. Upon seeking medical help, a laryngoscopy revealed a cauliflower-like growth on his left vocal cord. A PET-CT scan showed abnormally high metabolic activity, leading to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord. This case highlights the importance of timely medical evaluation for persistent hoarseness to rule out malignancy.”

 

 

What is Vocal Cord Cancer?
Vocal cord cancer is a malignant tumor affecting the vocal cords—key structures for sound production. It accounts for over 60% of laryngeal cancers. The majority (96%–98%) are squamous cell carcinomas. Early-stage tumors are often localized but highly invasive, potentially destroying laryngeal cartilage or spreading to neck lymph nodes.

 

Common Symptoms and Risks

  • Hoarseness:The most typical early symptom. Seek evaluation if it persists beyond two weeks.
  • Throat discomfort:Sensation of a foreign object, pain, coughing, or difficulty swallowing. Late stages may involve blood in sputum or coughing up blood.
  • Breathing difficulties:Tumor obstruction of the airway can become life-threatening.
  • Spread risk:Early tumors are localized, but advanced stages may invade surrounding tissues, damage laryngeal function, spread to neck lymph nodes, or metastasize to distant organs (e.g., lungs, liver), complicating treatment.

 

Causes of Vocal Cord Cancer

  • Smoking and alcohol:Smokers face a 10-fold higher risk. Combined with alcohol, the risk escalates.
  • HPV infection:Some cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Environmental factors:Long-term exposure to industrial dust, air pollution, or occupational carcinogens.
  • Demographics:Most common in males aged 50–70.

 

Diagnostic Methods

  • Laryngoscopy:Fiber-optic laryngoscopy detects mucosal abnormalities. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) enhances early detection.
  • CT/MRI:Assesses tumor extent and cartilage involvement.
  • PET-CT:Detects distant metastasis and aids staging.
  • Biopsy:Confirms cancer type via tissue analysis.

 

Treatment Options
Surgery

  • Laser minimally invasive surgery:For early-stage tumors. Preserves function but may affect voice.
  • Partial laryngectomy:Preserves partial laryngeal function for localized tumors.
  • Total laryngectomy:Required for advanced/recurrent cases. Requires a tracheostomy.

Radiation Therapy

  • Advantages:Preserves vocal function; suitable for elderly or comorbid patients.
  • Drawbacks:May cause throat pain, swallowing difficulties.

Combined Therapies

  • Radiation + Chemotherapy:Shrinks tumors pre-surgery in advanced cases.
  • Targeted + Immunotherapy:Emerging treatments targeting genetic mutations or boosting immune response.

 

Early detection and treatment are critical. If you experience prolonged hoarseness, seek immediate medical attention. High-risk individuals should undergo regular screenings. For ENT concerns, contact  ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for expert consultation.

 

 

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

聲帶癌:當聲音變得嘶啞,警惕這個早期信號

 

「56歲的賈先生,已經持續兩年有呼吸不暢、聲嘶情況,近期這些症狀持續加重,令他十分辛苦。此時,賈先生才想到要求醫,喉鏡檢查發現賈先生的左側聲帶有好似菜花樣的新生物,正電子電腦斷層掃描(PET-CT)顯示局部代謝異常增高,最終確診為《聲帶鱗狀細胞癌》。這個病例提示,長期聲音嘶啞需警惕惡性腫瘤可能,及時檢查避免病情惡化。」

 

 

聲帶癌是什麼?

聲帶癌是發生於聲帶(聲帶喉部振動發聲的關鍵結構)的惡性腫瘤,屬於喉癌的一種,佔喉癌的六成以上病例。聲帶癌類型以鱗狀細胞癌為主(96%~98%),早期多局限生長,但侵襲性很強,可以破壞喉軟骨或轉移至頸部淋巴結。

 

 

聲帶癌的常見症狀及危害有哪些?

  • 聲音嘶啞:這是早期最典型的症狀,如果症狀持續超過2星期就要警惕。
  • 咽喉不適:喉嚨有異物感、疼痛、咳嗽或吞咽困難,晚期痰中帶血或咳血。
  • 呼吸困難:腫瘤阻塞氣道時出現呼吸困難,嚴重者危及生命。
  • 擴散風險:早期較為局限生長,較少出現淋巴結轉移,但後期腫瘤會侵襲周圍組織,使喉部功能受損,亦可擴散頸淋巴結,甚至遠程轉移至肺、肝等器官,不好治療。

 

 

聲帶癌的病因是什麼?

  • 吸煙飲酒:吸煙人士患者患聲帶癌的風險比不吸煙人士增加10倍,如果同時有飲酒習慣,疊加作用就更顯著。
  • HPV感染:部分聲帶癌病例與感染HPV人乳頭狀瘤病毒相關。
  • 環境因素:長期接觸工業粉塵、空氣污染或職業性致癌物人士也是聲帶癌高風險群組。
  • 性別與年齡:50~70歲男性是聲帶癌高發年齡層。

 

 

聲帶癌要做什麼診斷?

  • 喉鏡檢查:電子纖維軟喉鏡可發現黏膜病變,採用窄帶成像術(NBI)這種新內鏡技術,可提高早期檢出率。
  • CT/MRI檢查:可評估受聲帶癌侵襲的範圍及喉軟骨是否受累。
  • PET/CT:正電子電腦斷層掃描(PET-CT)能夠檢測癌細胞是否有遠處轉移,並輔助分期。
  • 病理活檢:通過組織樣本分析癌細胞類型。

 

 

聲帶癌治療選擇有哪些?

手術

  • 激光微創手術:適用於早期聲帶癌,創傷小、恢復快,但可能會影響發音。
  • 喉部分切除術:保留部分喉功能,適合腫瘤未擴散病人。
  • 全喉切除術:晚期或復發病例需切除喉部,手術後需氣管造口。

 

放射治療

  • 優勢:保留發音功能,適合高齡或合併慢性病患者。
  • 局限性:可引起喉嚨疼痛、吞咽困難等後遺症。

 

 

綜合治療

  • 放射+化療:晚期患者可利用放療先將腫瘤縮小後再進行手術,以提高生存率。
  • 標靶+免疫治療:這些新興療法,能針對特定基因突變或增強免疫系統抗癌能力。

 

 

聲帶癌能及早識別和治療十分重要,如果你出現長期聲嘶要盡快求醫,若屬高危組群也是應定期篩查。有任何耳鼻喉問題,請立即聯絡香港耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心,由我們的耳鼻喉專科醫生為你詳細診治(電話3100 0555)。

 

 

資料來源:

香港耳鼻喉專科

耳鼻喉頭頸外科中心

提供耳鼻喉科服務、頭及頸外科服務

聽力及言語治療、驗配助聽器服務

人工耳蝸植入、睡眠障礙治療

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

Hypopharyngeal Cancer: The Silent Throat Killer – Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs of Swallowing

 

Case Study
“Mr. Kang, a 58-year-old with a long-term smoking and alcohol consumption history, recently experienced persistent sore throat, dysphagia, and hoarseness. After examination via endoscopy, he was diagnosed with Stage III Hypopharyngeal Cancer (mid-to-late stage). Mr. Kang underwent tumor resection surgery followed by radiotherapy and is currently under observation, requiring regular check-ups to monitor recurrence.”

 

 

What is Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Hypopharyngeal cancer originates in the hypopharynx (the area connecting the throat to the esophagus) and is a type of head and neck cancer. Due to its隐蔽位置 (hidden location), early detection is challenging. Approximately 70% of patients, like Mr. Kang, are diagnosed only after the cancer has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes or distant organs (e.g., lungs, bones, liver). Consequently, treatment outcomes are often poor.

 

Common Symptoms and Complications
Early symptoms are subtle, but the following signs warrant vigilance:

  • Typical symptoms: Sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, neck mass, ear pain (referred pain).
  • Long-term complications: Tumors may obstruct the airway or esophagus, leading to malnutrition or breathing difficulties. Metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs significantly complicates treatment.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Primary risk factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing (a major trigger in regions where betel nut use is prevalent).
  • Other factors: Chronic irritation from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diets lacking fresh fruits/vegetables, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • Genetics and environment: Family history or prolonged exposure to asbestos/chemical dust increases risk.

 

Diagnosis and Tests

  • Endoscopy: Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy to visualize lesions.
  • Imaging: CT/MRI scans to assess tumor extent and metastasis.
  • Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm cancer type.
  • Systemic evaluation: PET-CT scans to detect distant metastasis.

 

Treatment Options

  • Early-stage (I/II): Radiotherapy ± localized surgery.
  • Advanced-stage (III/IV): Multidisciplinary approach (e.g., tumor resection with lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy).
  • Targeted & immunotherapy: Anti-EGFR agents (e.g., Cetuximab) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab) for late-stage cases.
  • Supportive care: Nasogastric tube placement, speech therapy to improve quality of life during recovery.

 

Conclusion
Quitting smoking/alcohol and early detection are crucial in combating hypopharyngeal cancer. Individuals with smoking/drinking habits experiencing persistent throat discomfort should seek prompt medical evaluation. For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre or call 3100 0555 for specialized care.

 

 

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

1 2 3 60
註: 本站無論中文繁體,中文簡體和英文內容所提及的疾病和治療方法僅供讀者參考,並不代表本站推薦該種療法,亦不能代替專業醫生診治,讀者如有需要,應該尋求專業醫生意見或聯絡香港耳鼻喉專科。

另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。