Introduction
Throat cancer can be a life-altering experience for those who are diagnosed with it. It can be one of the hardest and scariest things to face, but the best way to handle it is to learn as much as possible about the disease. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of throat cancer can help you to get an early diagnosis, which can ultimately help you to make more informed decisions about how to manage the disease.
Everything You Need to Know About the Symptoms of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer, also known as laryngeal cancer, is a sickness that begins in the cells of the throat. While early signs may be hard to recognize, throat cancer can present itself with symptoms that are noticeable. Here are some of the common symptoms of throat cancer:
- A persistent cough
- A sore throat that seemingly never goes away
- Trouble swallowing
- An earache or pain when you swallow
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- A lump in your neck
It’s important to realize that having any of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have throat cancer. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other factors, even such as a simple viral infection. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a week or two, it’s worth getting them investigated to rule out the possibility of throat cancer.
Signs Your Throat May be at Risk for Cancer and What to Do About It
There are a few risk factors that increase your chances of developing throat cancer. They include:
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Heredity
- HPV infection
- Exposure to certain chemicals and substances like asbestos
If you are concerned about throat cancer, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use are two critical strategies in lowering the risk of developing throat cancer, while wearing protective gear and avoiding exposure to hazardous chemicals can help lower your risk of the disease as well.
9 Symptoms of Throat Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
While some of the symptoms are more common than others, many people don’t even realize that they have throat cancer until they are in the advanced stages of the disease. Here are some of the symptoms of throat cancer that you should never ignore:
- Swelling in the neck- if you have swelling in your neck and the lymph nodes are swollen, it could be one of the first indications of throat cancer.
- Difficulty swallowing- difficulty swallowing is another significant symptom as the cancer cells develop in the throat
- Vocal changes- if you experience hoarseness or changes in your voice and they persist, it is worth getting it checked by a medical professional
- Numbness around the tongue or mouth area- numbness or tingling in your mouth, tongue, or lips could be another indication of throat cancer.
- Chest pain- chest pain is a common symptom of cancer spreading, including throat cancer.
- Unexplained weight loss- weight loss that cannot be explained with regular diet/exercise or outside factors could be one of the early signs of throat cancer.
- Persistent coughing- a cough that has lasted for over two weeks should never be ignored, even if it is minor or unaccompanied by other symptoms.
- Painful throat- if you experience persistent pain in your throat, it could be a crucial indication of cancer developing in the throat.
- Ear pain- if you experience ear pain, especially when swallowing food or drinks, it could be a signal of throat cancer.
Throat Cancer: What Warning Signs to Look for Before It’s Too Late
Advanced throat cancer symptoms are crucial and sometimes quite noticeable. These include:
- Difficulty breathing- as the cancer grows, it will constrict your airway and make it difficult to breathe
- Fluid buildup in the throat- fluid accumulation in the chest, especially around the collarbone area, is also a crucial symptom of advanced throat cancer.
- Coughing up blood- if you cough up blood, it is a sign that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
- Severe weight loss- advanced stages of throat cancer can cause extensive weight loss that cannot be explained
If you notice the signs mentioned above, it is worth discussing these symptoms with a medical professional right away.
A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Symptoms of Throat Cancer
As seen above, there are numerous warning signs and symptoms of throat cancer that you should never ignore. It’s essential to recognize the significance of these symptoms, as early detection can be the key to successful treatment of the disease. At the same time, a comprehensive guide can help you spot and identify the symptoms of throat cancer.
If you suspect that you may have throat cancer, seeking medical attention is crucial. This is a disease that can be treated successfully if it is caught early, and getting tested is a simple and straightforward way to know for sure, and can be a lifesaving measure.
Conclusion
Throat cancer is one of the most devastating and scary diseases out there. Still, at the same time, it’s not an incurable illness. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of throat cancer is critical in getting an early diagnosis and taking appropriate action. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention immediately. It is never too early or late to take proactive steps to lower your risk of throat cancer.
