Throat Cancer Symptoms
Throat Cancer Symptoms - lump in the neck
Cancers that begin in the neck usually spread to lymph nodes in the neck before they
spread elsewhere. A lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks should be seen by a
physician as soon as possible. Of course, not all lumps are cancer. But a lump (or lumps)
in the neck can be the first sign of cancer of the mouth, throat, voicebox (larynx),
thyroid gland, or of certain lymphomas or blood cancers. Such lumps are generally painless
and continue to enlarge steadily.
Throat Cancer Symptoms - Change in the voice
Most cancers in the larynx cause some change in voice. Any hoarseness or other voice
change lasting more than two weeks should alert you to see your physician. An
otolaryngologist is a head and neck specialist who can examine your vocal cords easily and
painlessly. While most voice changes are not caused by cancer, you shouldn't take chances.
If you are hoarse more than two weeks, make sure you don't have cancer of the larynx. See
your doctor.
Throat Cancer Symptoms - Bringing up blood
This is often caused by something other than cancer. However, tumors in the nose,
mouth, throat or lungs can cause bleeding. If blood appears in your saliva or phlegm for
more than a few days, you should see your physician.
Throat Cancer Symptoms - Swallowing problems
.Cancer of the throat or esophagus (swallowing tube) may make
swallowing solid foods difficult. Sometimes liquids can also be troublesome. The food may
"stick" at a certain point and then either go through to the stomach or come
back up. If you have trouble almost every time you try to swallow something, you should be
examined by a physician. Usually a barium swallow x-ray or an esophagoscopy (direct
examination of the swallowing tube with a telescope) will be performed to find the cause.
Throat Cancer Symptoms - Persistent Earache
Constant pain in or around the ear when you swallow can be a sign of infection or tumor
growth in the throat. This is particularly serious if it is associated with difficulty in
swallowing, hoarseness or a lump in the neck. These symptoms are best evaluated by an
otolaryngologist. |