A heavy smoker, Khuong initially dismissed his sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness as a common cold, self-medicating for two weeks. His condition worsened, leading to near-total voice loss. At Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, he had to communicate with doctors through written notes. An endoscopy revealed a 0.5 cm tumor on his vocal cords, and a biopsy confirmed throat cancer. The tumor had spread to surrounding tissue.

Doctor Do Tuong Huan of the Head and Neck Surgery Department explained that Khuong's cancer was diagnosed at a relatively late stage. Surgery might not have been able to save his larynx, and the prognosis included potential post-operative complications.

After consultation, doctors decided on a partial laryngectomy with Crico-Hyoido-Epiglottopexy (CHEP) reconstruction. This technique reconstructs the airway and voice box by suturing the hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage, and epiglottis. It allows for partial larynx preservation, maintaining the patient's ability to speak, eat, and breathe naturally. During surgery, tissue samples were immediately examined to ensure no cancerous cells remained.

Doctor Huan (center) performing the surgery. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Post-surgery, Khuong received nutrition through a feeding tube until his larynx recovered, gradually progressing to soft foods. Two weeks later, the feeding and breathing tubes were removed, and he was able to eat normally.

Doctor Huan stated that Khuong's voice is currently at about 40% of its pre-illness strength, with potential for 60% recovery within a few months. Preserving his voice not only boosts his confidence but also reduces the risk of post-treatment depression.

Several surgical options exist for throat cancer treatment, ranging from minimally invasive laser removal for early-stage tumors to partial or total laryngectomy depending on the extent of the cancer. For advanced cases, partial laryngectomy with CHEP reconstruction removes the tumor while preserving part of the larynx, avoiding complete voice loss. In some cases, total laryngectomy with lymph node removal is necessary to prevent metastasis. This results in complete voice loss, requiring a voice prosthesis or electrolarynx for communication.

Individuals experiencing persistent hoarseness, coughing, painful swallowing, or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing acid reflux can reduce the risk of throat cancer.

Throat cancer ranks 6th among the most dangerous cancers in men. According to Globocan 2022 statistics, throat cancer accounts for approximately 0.95% of new cancer cases globally. In Vietnam, the rate is 1.2%, predominantly affecting men.

Minh Tam

*The patient's name has been changed.