8 Early Signs Of Throat Cancer You Must Not Ignore
Early diagnosis of cancer means a greater chance of survival. Therefore, even though you may not be available for it, it is important to know the early signs of throat cancer.
As a result of abnormal cell growth, this type of cancer affects the health of the throat, larynx, esophagus and tonsils.
Although everyone can be affected, it is typically people who smoke, or who have suffered from Human Papillomavirus (HPV), who are at higher risk of developing cancer.
At present , it is believed to be one of the most dangerous types of cancer because its lack of obvious symptoms prevents early diagnosis.
Because of this, we would like to share some of the early signs of throat cancer that may be helpful in catching and diagnosing the disease early.
Read on!
1. Hoarseness or changes in your voice
Abnormal cell growth in the throat, may start at the vocal cord; therefore, one of the early signs of throat cancer may be a clear change in your voice.
- Prolonged hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, or sudden change in your voice is reason enough to seek medical attention.
- Sometimes it is associated with infections or smoking, other times it can be more serious.
2. Sore throat
It is difficult to call a sore throat a sign of cancer. Most often it is due to an irritation from a common respiratory infection.
However, if the pain is persistent or occurs at frequent and regular intervals, it is important to find the cause.
- The growth of tumors in this area can cause this symptom to return. It can also be more intense when you sink or when you shout.
Bad breath can be one of the early signs of throat cancer
If you have bad breath that does not go away despite good, oral hygiene habits, it may be a sign of something more serious. While you should not draw hasty conclusions, you should not rule out the possibility either.
- People suffering from throat cancer generally have difficulty controlling the smell of their breath. The bad breath is persistent even if they use mouthwash or other special products for oral hygiene.
4. Problems breathing
Breathing problems, also known as dyspnoea , are a symptom that may signal that something is impeding airflow into the trachea.
- It can be caused by a serious infection, but can also be a sign of a tumor.
5. Swelling in the throat
The occurrence of swelling in the throat can be due to various things. In the case of cervical cancer, it is because the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes that sit around the neck.
- This symptom is a good reason to seek medical attention right away, as it may be a sign that the cancer is spreading and getting worse.
6. Constant and persistent cough
People with respiratory problems or allergies often suffer from recurrent cough, which is caused by the immune system’s attack on a foreign body in the body.
When there is a problem in the throat that is part of the respiratory system, the cough can become chronic.
- To begin with, the cough will be dry and the throat irritated. When the tumor grows, it will cause sores and bleeding.
7. Wheezing
When the tumor is not treated early, the cancer cells will continue to divide, causing severe pain in the area around it.
One consequence of this is that the tumor blocks the airways, causing a hissing sound every time the person takes a breath.
- This sound is called laryngeal stidor and is the result of a narrowing of the opening between the vocal cords.
- If not treated early, it can block the airways completely, causing suffocation and death.
8. Problems with swallowing
The majority of people suffering from throat cancer lose weight significantly because they experience difficulty swallowing their food.
- The presence of a tumor narrows the throat opening and causes food to get stuck. This causes muscle weakness and a more frequent occurrence of heartburn.
If you identify these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
The doctor may, after examining your symptoms, ask for an endoscopic examination and other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
