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Laryngeal cancer
Treatment in China

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Condition Guide

About Laryngeal cancer

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the vocal cords, supraglottic region, and subglottic region, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and occupational exposure are the main high-risk factors. Typical symptoms include persistent hoarseness, a foreign body sensation in the throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and a neck mass. Early treatment yields good results, and most cases can be cured while preserving laryngeal function. In the middle and late stages, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can significantly prolong survival. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving the larynx and voice.

Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

1. Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with PD-1 : Pembrolizumab is used as a single-agent neoadjuvant therapy for PD-L1-positive, surgically resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It can downstage the tumor, improve the pathological complete response rate, and create conditions for laryngeal-preserving surgery. Studies such as KEYNOTE-689 have shown that adding immunotherapy significantly improves event-free survival.
2. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): The robot enters through natural cavities and precisely removes tumors of the tonsils, base of the tongue, supraglottic region, and hypopharynx under the magnified three-dimensional view and stable wrist instruments. No external incision is left in the neck. Postoperative pain is mild and recovery is fast. Domestic expert consensus has standardized its indications and operating procedures.
3. Proton and heavy ion precision radiotherapy : Relying on the Bragg peak characteristics of proton beams, the tumor is focused at the millimeter level while protecting the larynx, salivary glands and spinal cord. The long-term survival rate after treatment of head and neck tumors is good, and the sequelae such as dry mouth and difficulty swallowing are significantly reduced. It is especially suitable for patients who need to preserve laryngeal function or cannot tolerate surgery.
4. Dual-target combined immunotherapy : The combination of TGFβRI/VEGFR2 dual inhibitors and PD-1 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma can simultaneously inhibit the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and angiogenesis, and reverse the immune desert state, providing a novel combined approach for refractory recurrent and metastatic patients. Related phase II studies are underway.
5. Transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal preservation : Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) combined with stereotactic radiotherapy enables early glottic laryngeal cancer to achieve the same radical cure while maximizing the preservation of vocal cord structure and voice quality, and individualized stratification treatment based on the involvement of the anterior commissure.

Care Overview

Laryngeal cancer Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

1. Early glottic-laryngoscopy approach : For early-stage cases limited to the vocal cords, transoral laser or robotic minimally invasive resection, or radical radiotherapy alone, is the preferred treatment. This can often avoid total laryngectomy and preserve natural vocal function. Regular laryngoscopy follow-up is necessary after treatment.
2. Comprehensive treatment for locally advanced disease: Depending on the extent of the tumor and the patient's wishes, partial laryngectomy plus postoperative chemoradiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy with organ preservation may be selected; for patients who are operable, PD-1 neoadjuvant immunotherapy may be performed first for reassessment, and regular follow-up examinations are required after surgery to evaluate efficacy and safety.
3. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy downstaging : For PD-L1 positive, operable locally advanced patients, neoadjuvant pembrolizumab therapy is administered before surgery to strive for a higher pathological response rate and a better chance of preserving the larynx. This reduces the probability of total laryngectomy and preserves laryngeal function.
4. Systemic treatment for relapsed or metastatic tumors: For patients with relapsed or distant metastases, treatment is based on PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, combined with chemotherapy or novel dual-target drugs to control tumors, prolong survival, and improve symptoms. This includes improving symptoms such as swallowing and pain, and extending survival.
5. Advanced age or preferred for radiotherapy : For elderly patients, those with poor cardiopulmonary function, or those who refuse surgery, precision radiotherapy such as proton and heavy ion therapy can be selected as a radical treatment, reducing the trauma of general anesthesia and surgery, with good treatment tolerance and more convenient outpatient management.
6. Postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up : Postoperative rehabilitation training for speech and swallowing functions is carried out, and regular electronic laryngoscopy and neck imaging monitoring are conducted to detect recurrence early and rebuild communication function. A multidisciplinary team develops individualized follow-up plans to help patients gradually resume daily work and social life.

1. High early-stage cure rate : The 5-year survival rate of early-stage laryngeal cancer after standardized treatment can reach over 90%, and most patients can retain the basic physiological functions of the larynx;
2. Minimally invasive larynx-preserving and voice-preserving surgery : Transoral laser and robotic surgery are performed through natural cavities, with no incision in the neck, minimal damage to the vocal cord structure, and faster recovery of voice and swallowing after surgery;
3. Precision radiotherapy with reduced toxicity : Proton and heavy ion therapy concentrates the dose on the tumor target area, significantly reducing the dose received by the salivary glands, larynx and spinal cord, and reducing the risk of long-term dry mouth, swallowing disorders and tracheotomy;
4. Benefits of neoadjuvant immunotherapy : Neoadjuvant PD-1 therapy helps downstage locally advanced patients and improves pathological remission, giving those who would otherwise require total laryngectomy the opportunity to preserve their larynx;
5. MDT Personalized Treatment : Multidisciplinary collaboration among head and neck surgery, radiotherapy, medical oncology, and rehabilitation departments to customize laryngeal preservation plans based on staging, HPV status, PD-L1 expression, and patient wishes;
6. Emphasis on both function and quality of life : The treatment goal has shifted from simply removing the tumor to taking into account the functions of speech, swallowing and breathing, which significantly improves the patient's ability to communicate and reintegrate into society after surgery.

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantRare & Complex DiseasesOncologyGastroenterologyNeurologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryHepatobiliaryOrthopedicsObstetrics & GynecologyENTCosmetic Surgery

In the ranking of Chinese hospitals released by the Fudan University Hospital Management Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has topped the comprehensive ranking for more than ten consecutive years, and has twice ranked first in the national performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals. Among the 42 specialties covered in the comprehensive specialty ranking, 28 of Peking Union Medical College Hospital's specialties are ranked in the top 10. Nine specialties, including pathology, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurology, nuclear medicine, emergency medicine, critical care medicine, and allergy, rank first in the country; several specialties, including radiology, anesthesiology, endocrinology, laboratory medicine, ultrasound medicine, and gastroenterology, rank second in the country. The hospital is a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of complex, critical, and rare diseases designated by the National Health Commission, a national demonstration base for higher medical education and standardized residency training, and a national core base for clinical medical research and technological innovation.

Year Founded: 1921
Beds: 3000

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Beijing · Partner Hospital

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

ENT

As a "National Center for Stomatology," the hospital boasts a world-leading scale of stomatological medical services. It possesses all eight of the first batch of national key clinical specialty construction projects in stomatology, including Endodontics, Periodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Mucosal Diseases, and Implant Dentistry. The hospital is the National Center for Quality Management and Control of Stomatological Medicine, entrusted by the National Health Commission. It is the only stomatological hospital in China selected for the pilot program of modern hospital management system. It was among the first stomatological medical institutions nationwide to pass the Level 5 certification for electronic medical records, the Level 4A certification for interoperability, and the ISO 15189 international clinical laboratory certification.

Year Founded: 1941
Beds: 363

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

ENT

The hospital's Department of Otolaryngology is a national key clinical specialty and a national quality control center for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, consistently ranking first in the national specialty rankings for over ten years. The Department of Ophthalmology is a key discipline of the Ministry of Education and a national key clinical specialty, consistently ranking among the top three in China and first in East China in the ranking of best hospital specialties for over ten years. The hospital is one of the world's largest centers for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of otolaryngological-head and neck diseases.

Year Founded: 1952
Beds: 894

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

RehabilitationInternal MedicineOrthopedicsENT

The hospital is a national orthopedic medical center, with orthopedics and sports medicine being two national key clinical specialties. Orthopedics is a national key discipline, one of the first batch of national key clinical specialties designated by the Ministry of Health, the Shanghai Clinical Medical Center for Trauma Orthopedics, and a key construction unit in Shanghai. In the Fudan University's ranking of Chinese hospital specialty reputation, orthopedics has consistently ranked among the top two nationwide for many years, placing it in the first tier. In the comprehensive ranking of China's hospital science and technology (STEM) values, it ranks around 25th nationwide.

Year Founded: 1904
Beds: 2556

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

ENTCosmetic Surgery

The Ninth People's Hospital boasts three national key disciplines: Stomatology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Orthopedics; nine national key clinical specialties; and four national "211 Project" key disciplines. It houses the National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and the National Stomatological Center (Shanghai) will officially be established there in 2026. In the Fudan University ranking of Chinese hospitals, its Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department has consistently ranked first nationwide for many years, its Stomatology department third, and its Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology departments among the top. It is a member of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS) and has multiple international training center designations.

Year Founded: 1920
Beds: 1820

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Guangzhou · Partner Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

ENT

The center is the only ophthalmology hospital directly under the National Health Commission of China. It is China's only WHO Collaborating Centre for Eye Health and Vision and the only headquarters of international medical academic organizations in China (Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asian Office of the Asian-African Academy of Ophthalmology). For many consecutive years, the center has ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital specialty reputation rankings and has also ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital science and technology influence rankings. Furthermore, it is among the top ophthalmology institutions globally according to the Nature Index.

Year Founded: 1965
Beds: 320

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Liu Yunsong

Professor and Vice Dean, specializing in prosthodontics and digital diagnosis and treatment

ENT

Research areas: Clinical, teaching and research in prosthodontics, digital restoration, and implant restoration. Cutting-edge technology: Has long been engaged in clinical, teaching, and research work in prosthodontics. Has led 15 national and provincial-level research projects as principal investigator, published over 0 papers as first/corresponding author, including 2 ESI highly cited papers, and was consecutively listed among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2023 and 2024. Has obtained over 30 nati

Affiliated Hospital National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Xu Gezhi

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Former Director of Ophthalmology

ENT

-Research areas : vitreoretinal diseases, complex fundus surgery, severe ocular trauma; - Areas of expertise: 3D-navigated complex vitreoretinal surgery, repair of macular holes/recurrent retinal detachment; - Areas of expertise: Complex retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, high myopia macular degeneration, severe ocular rupture injury; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Top domestic fundus surgeon, has completed numerous failed recurrent retinal detachment surgeries at other hospital

Affiliated Hospital Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Zhuo Yehong

Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, and Leader of Glaucoma Department

ENT

-Research areas : Glaucoma optic nerve protection, hereditary glaucoma, and surgery for refractory glaucoma. - Cutting-edge technology: Glaucoma drainage valve/drainage pin implantation, comprehensive optic nerve protection program for advanced glaucoma. - Areas of expertise: Primary angle-closure/open-angle glaucoma, refractory glaucoma with multiple postoperative relapses, and congenital glaucoma. - Academic Highlights: Led the compilation of the Chinese expert consensus on glaucoma diagnosis and treatm

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Yi Hongliang

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

Research areas : obstructive sleep apnea, pharyngeal and head and neck tumors; Cutting-edge technology: Bimaxillary advancement (MMA) surgery for severe OSA; Areas of expertise: Severe snoring, pharyngeal tumors, pediatric snoring; Academic highlights: Leading expert in snoring surgery in China; Core value: Promoting precise OSA obstruction plane assessment to improve the surgical efficacy of severe snoring. Zhang Zhichang Associate Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor Research areas : Sacral and deep pel

Affiliated Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Liu Yizhi

Representative of the discipline's founders, Level 2 Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

-Research areas : ocular stem cells and lens regeneration; pathogenesis and treatment of cataracts. - Cutting-edge technology: Twisting-mode phacoemulsification cataract surgery, bimanual micro-incision phacoemulsification. Human lens regeneration (a major global medical breakthrough in 201). - Areas of expertise: Congenital cataracts, traumatic cataracts, complex cataracts complicated with glaucoma/uveitis, and lens diseases. - Academic Highlights: Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophtha

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Feng Guodong

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Deputy Director of Department, Leading Person in Otolaryngology

ENT

-Research areas : Middle ear diseases, lateral skull base diseases, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus; - Areas of expertise: Cochlear implantation, ossicular chain reconstruction, and lateral skull base surgery; - Areas of expertise: Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, lateral skull base tumors, refractory tinnitus; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Experts in promoting ear microsurgery techniques, focusing on multimodal comprehensive assessment of tinnitus and establishing individuali

Affiliated Hospital Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

ENTCosmetic Surgery

Patient records Name: Nguyen Thi Lan Age: 22 years old Nationality: Vietnamese Diagnosis: Skeletal Class III malocclusion (underbite) Treatment Hospital: Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Shanghai) Lan, a 22-year-old university student from Hanoi, Vietnam, is about to graduate. Despite her excellent grades, she suffers from severe underbite, which prevents her from smiling confidently and even affects her chewing and pronunciation. She dreams

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Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

ENT

Patient records Name: Budi Santoso Age: 45 Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Cholesteatoma-type otitis media (involving the ossicular chain) Treatment Hospital: Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai) Budi, a 45-year-old high school music teacher from Jakarta, Indonesia, had been suffering from recurring ear discharge and hearing loss for nearly a year. Worse still, he began to lose his ability to distinguish pitch, a devastating blow to his career. Local doctors diagn

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Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

ENT

Patient records Name: Arif bin Ismail Age: 58 Nationality: Malaysia Diagnosis: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) Treatment Hospital: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou) Arif, 58, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a watch repairer. His world consists of intricate gears and delicate hairsprings, requiring exceptional vision. However, a week ago, a fixed black shadow suddenly appeared in his right eye's field of vision, like a giant curtain obscuring half the s

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Laryngeal cancerTreatment in China

Laryngeal cancer Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

Laryngeal cancer
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.