Throat cancer is a type of cancer that does not always cause noticeable symptoms until the later stages. However, detecting this type of cancer as early as possible can help you make sure that you get the most effective treatment and are in with the best chance of recovery. If you notice any of the following throat cancer symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia can be caused by several factors. It is not always a sign of a serious health condition, but might be a symptom of throat cancer, so it is worth getting checked out if you have suddenly started to find swallowing foods or liquids difficult. People with throat cancer or those who have had treatment for throat cancer may need to be prescribed a special soft diet to ensure that they can get the nutrients that they need. This might involve using products like SimplyThick thickener gel in tea, coffee, juices, soups or smoothies to make them easier to swallow and avoid complications.
Sensation of Something Stuck in the Throat
There are lots of reasons why you might feel like something is stuck in your throat. In many cases, it is a lodged food particle and drinking some water will usually help it to pass and the feeling will go away. However, if the feeling is persistent, or happens even when you have not eaten, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue like a tumor in the throat.
HPV in You or Your Partner
It is now well known that HPV or human papillomavirus can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer if you have a uterus. However, in the past ten years, oral cancers linked to HPV have seen an increase of around four times in both genders. In fact, scientists estimate that HPV is the reason behind around 70% of tumors in the back of the throat. While you or your partner having HPV does not automatically mean you will get throat or cervical cancer, it is a risk factor to be aware of.
Vocal Changes
Malignant tumors that form on the vocal cords can often lead to a change in the sound and pitch of your voice, or cause voice hoarseness. Fortunately these changes often occur quite early which can help you get an earlier diagnosis of throat cancer and get earlier treatment. If you have a hoarse voice that does not go away within two weeks, it’s important to speak with your doctor.
Lump on the Neck
If you notice a new lump on your neck that you have not felt before, this could be a symptom of throat cancer. A lump on the neck may occur when a tumor metastasizes from the throat to the neck. They are most likely to form right under the jaw but can present in other places on the neck.
While many of the above symptoms might be a sign of something less serious, if you are experiencing them, it’s always wise to speak to a doctor to rule out throat cancer.
