At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How Do I Recognize the Symptoms of Throat Cancer?
Recognizing the symptoms of throat cancer can be difficult because the symptoms may seem to be the result of another illness and often do not directly cause pain or discomfort of the throat. Paying attention to the person’s overall wellness and health is important because early diagnosis means the patient will receive necessary medical treatments before the cancer begins to spread. The main signs of throat cancer are an ongoing cough, weight loss, trouble breathing, a hoarse voice, blood in nasal discharge or phlegm, and throat lumps.
An ongoing cough can be one of the symptoms of throat cancer. Many people may think that this is the result of a cold or flu, but if the cough does not go away or if there is blood in mucus that the person expels the person could have throat cancer. A cough is the body’s natural way of clearing the throat and expelling bacteria, but if the person has throat cancer the throat may be inflamed or infected with cancerous cells that cause irritation. Coughing is very common in individuals who develop throat cancer as a result of smoking or chewing tobacco.
Significant weight loss without an identifiable cause is another symptom of throat cancer. The cancerous cells ravage the body and cause the person to loose a large amount of weight quickly. This symptom is associated with many other diseases and cancers, so the person should consult a physician for more information and a diagnosis.
Trouble breathing and swallowing or a hoarse voice are also signs of throat cancer. Certain types of cancer, such as hypopharyngeal cancer or glottic cancer, begin in the larynx of the throat, which is responsible for making the sounds emitted from the mouth and for the muscles of the esophagus responsible for swallowing. Cancer in this region can cause the person’s voice to seem scratchy, and he or she could experience pain and discomfort when swallowing.
Throat lumps develop when cancerous tissue forms a cyst or tumor in the esophagus. The lump may be felt from the outside of the throat or the person could experience the sensation of having something stuck in his or her throat. Sores or bumps that form in the back of the mouth or on the tonsils could be a sign of oropharyngeal throat cancer. A person should immediately consult a physician if he or she experiences any of the symptoms of throat cancer.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Chewing tobacco, which can cause throat cancer.]()
By: robhainerChewing tobacco, which can cause throat cancer. -
![Cancer of the larynx is one type of throat cancer.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaCancer of the larynx is one type of throat cancer. -
![Trouble breathing and swallowing may be symptoms of throat cancer.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiTrouble breathing and swallowing may be symptoms of throat cancer. -
![An ongoing cough can be one of the symptoms of throat cancer.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungAn ongoing cough can be one of the symptoms of throat cancer. -
![Pain or paralysis in the facial muscles could be a sign of throat cancer.]()
By: snapgalleriaPain or paralysis in the facial muscles could be a sign of throat cancer. -
![A lump in the back of the throat may be a sign of throat cancer.]()
By: Max TacticA lump in the back of the throat may be a sign of throat cancer.
Discussion Comments
The symptoms of chronic strep throat sound rather similar to the symptoms for cancer, but either way you should definitely get checked out.
If you've got strep throat there's a possibility you're giving it to others and you could also be doing long term damage to yourself if you let it fester.
@Fa5t3r - Just bear in mind that all these things have to be done a lot for them to even give you a chance to develop throat cancer. I don't want the rumor to spread that if you sing too much you'll get cancer, because even professional singers don't have that high a chance. Singing is not one of the major causes of throat cancer. The average person is safe singing in the shower.
The same goes for coffee and tea drinkers, although here I will say that you should just try to make sure your drink isn't going to scald you every time you make one. I do know some people who won't touch a hot drink unless it's going to burn all the way down and that's the kind of damage that builds up if you make it a habit.
Just be sensible and do things in moderation and you'll give yourself the best shot.
Even if you've never smoked or used chewing tobacco you can still develop this kind of cancer. Sometimes people get it from singing too much or too loudly (which can damage the throat) and sometimes they get it from drinking their tea or coffee too hot which can also damage tissues around the mouth and throat and cause cancer.
And sometimes people get it for what seems like no reason at all.
So, don't dismiss the symptoms just because you aren't a smoker. Go to your doctor and make sure you aren't in any danger.
Post your comments