While self-diagnosis is not a reliable approach for cancer detection, concerns about symptoms, such as a persistent sore throat, are common. Instead of losing sleep over speculation, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect early signs of throat cancer, seeking professional medical advice is essential.
What is throat cancer?
Throat cancer is something of a general term that refers to a collection of cancers that can appear in various areas of your throat.
There are some similarities between many of these cancers. There are thin, flat cells that line your throat called squamous cells. Usually, throat cancers will begin in these cells, and the resulting cancer becomes known as a squamous cell carcinoma.
There are two types of these cancers:
- Pharyngeal cancer: These cancers begin in your pharynx, which is the tissue behind your mouth, into your throat, and behind your nose. Pharyngeal cancer is usually broken up into three different subtypes, depending on where it is located; Hypopharyngeal (bottom of throat), Oropharyngeal (middle of throat), and Nasopharyngeal (top of your throat).
- Laryngeal cancer: This type is less common. It’s a cancer of your larynx–or voice box.
What are the symptoms of throat cancer?
Your physician will be able to tell you the primary differences between all of these cancers and what they might mean in terms of treatment and prognosis.
If you’re thinking about scheduling an appointment with an ENT specialist, you’re probably wondering what symptoms look like and what they might mean.
The possible symptoms of throat cancer could include:
- Sore throat, especially if it’s persistent.
- A lump in your neck.
- Red or white patches in your throat.
- Difficulty swallowing, especially if it’s ongoing.
- Hearing loss in one ear.
- Tinnitus in one ear.
- Persistent ear infections.
- Pain behind your nose or in your throat.
- Hoarse voice, especially if it’s persistent.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Who is at risk for throat cancers?
It’s useful to think about risk factors at the same time you’re thinking about symptoms.
The following can dramatically increase your risk of developing throat cancer:
- Smoking tobacco or using chewing tobacco. These activities have been linked to high rates of throat cancer (among other cancers).
- Family history of throat cancer
- Heavy alcohol use.
- Acid reflux, or GERD.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infections.
- Nutritional issues, such as poor nutrition or malnutrition.
If you have these risk factors, you are encourage you to see a physician to discuss your personal risk and if precautionary measures should be taken.
How is throat cancer diagnosed?
Physicians may use one of several methods to help diagnose a possible throat cancer. Your doctor may biopsy suspect tissue or order imaging scans of various kinds (such as X-Rays or CT scans).
In some cases, endoscopy will be used to let doctors get a better look at what’s happening in your throat. An endoscopy may be performed under general anesthesia in some cases.
Your physician will be able to determine which tests and diagnostics are required, if any, in your case.
What happens after diagnosis?
What happens after the diagnosis will depend significantly on what your physician finds. In many cases, what you thought was suspect will turn out to be quite benign. In other cases, your physician may find something more serious.
Early detection is crucial if you receive a diagnosis of throat cancer. Certain forms of throat cancer exhibit a relatively favorable 5-year survival rate, making prompt treatment a life-saving measure.
The likelihood of a positive outcome significantly improves with early detection. If you suspect symptoms of throat cancer in yourself or a loved one, schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist today.