Throat Cancer Symptoms: All You Need to Know

What is Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is a serious condition that occurs when the cells in the throat multiply uncontrollably and lead to the development of a tumour. Throat cancer affects the pharynx (the middle part of the throat) or the larynx (the voice box). It may also affect the upper part offood pipe, the windpipe or the thyroid.

In India, throat cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of the disease, particularly affecting men and accounting for approximately 3-6% of cancers in the male population.

Doctors advise surgery to treat throat cancer to improve the quality of life. As early cancer detection has better chances of recovery, timely diagnosis is vital.

Early Signs of Throat Cancer

Early signs of throat cancer may differ from person to person and depend upon where the cancer has developed.

Some early signs of throat cancer are:

• Change in the voice or hoarseness

• Constant sore throat

• Difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia

• Persistent cough

• Wheezing

• Persistent need to clear the throat

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Ear pain

• Lump in the neck

• Difficulty in breathing

• Weight loss

While these signs may not necessarily mean throat cancer, consulting the doctor regarding these health problems is crucial.

Common Throat Cancer Symptoms

Throat cancer includes different types of cancers affecting the various parts of the throat. Besides the above early signs, patients may also observe some common throat cancer symptoms, such as

• Lump in the mouth, throat or neck: This occurs due to an enlarged lymph node. Swelling include or enlarged in the lymph nodes is a common throat cancer symptom.

• Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss is a common symptom of various cancers. As throat cancer makes it difficult to eat and swallow, it gradually leads to weight loss.

• Shortness of breath: Some people may experience a persistent cough or encounter breathing difficulties, which can manifest as noisy breathing.

• Numbness in the mouth or tongue: Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer affects the pharynx, the tonsils and the back of the tongue. It also affects the soft palate and the sides of the throat, which causes numbness of the mouth or tongue.

Less Common but Significant Throat Cancer Symptoms

Apart from the early signs of throat cancer, the following are some less common throat cancer symptoms. Consulting a doctor to observe any of these symptoms is crucial in improving the chances of diagnosis and timely treatment.

• Persistent cough: A continuous cough that lingers without improvement.

• Difficulty swallowing food (dysphagia): Discomfort when swallowing solid or liquid foods.

• Ear pain: Pain or discomfort in the ears can be a sign of throat cancer.

• Hoarseness: A persistent, abnormal change in the voice, often sounding rough or strained.

• Swelling of the eyes, jaw, throat or neck: Noticeable enlargement or swelling in these areas may indicate throat cancer.

• Headaches: Persistent or unusual headaches can be associated with throat cancer.

• Chest infections: Repeated or persistent chest infections may be related to throat cancer's impact on the respiratory system.

• Nosebleeds: Unexplained nosebleeds could result from the cancer's influence on nearby structures or blood vessels.

Identifying Symptoms in Different Throat Cancer Types

Different throat cancer types show symptoms that may often resemble symptoms of other less serious health conditions. Therefore, it's essential to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for longer than usual for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Oropharyngeal Cancer Symptoms

Oropharyngeal cancer affects the area right behind the mouth. It affects people aged 63 and above.

Oropharyngeal throat cancer symptoms are:

• Lump in the neck, back of the mouth or throat

• Persistent sore throat

• Difficulty in opening the mouth fully

• Difficulty in moving the tongue

• Pain and difficulty in swallowing

• A white patch on the tongue or the lining of the mouth that is long-lasting

• Pain in the ear

• Coughing up blood

• Unexplained weight loss

Laryngeal Cancer Symptoms

Laryngeal cancer develops in the voice box or the larynx. It is common in people above 60 and develops due to consumption of tobacco and alcohol and exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos and coal dust.

The laryngeal cancer symptoms are

• Hoarseness of the voice or change in the voice

• Lump or swelling in the neck, which causes persistent sore throat

• Long-lasting cough and breathlessness due to the tumour

• Pain or difficulty when eating and swallowing

• A severe case of laryngeal cancer may also cause difficulty in breathing or a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing

Hypopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms

Hypopharyngeal cancer affects the bottom part of the throat called the hypopharynx. This type of cancer occurs in the lining cells of the throat.

Its symptoms include:

• Hoarseness: There may be a change in the voice. It may sound rough or hoarse.

• Sore throat: Persistent sore throat is another symptom of hypopharyngeal cancer. It lasts for a long time.

• Difficulty swallowing: Due to the tumour in the throat, patients have difficulty swallowing and eating or experience pain while eating.

• Lumps can be felt along the neck.

• Pain, ringing in the ears or fullness inside the ears are also symptoms of hypopharyngeal cancer.

When to Seek Medical Care?

Doctors advise timely consultation if patients experience a persistent cough that lasts for two weeks or more, hoarseness of voice, trouble swallowing or pain in the ear or the jaw. Timely detection helps prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas like the lips, lungs or bones. Cancer that has not metastasised or spread to other areas has a 52%-83% survival rate.

Timely detection of throat cancer improves the chances of recovery.Hence, consulting the doctor in case of any throat cancer symptoms will help in early diagnosis of the condition. As most throat cancer symptoms are not cancer-specific, the doctor will advise tests and procedures to investigate the causes behind the symptoms. Based on the area of the throat affected and the cancer stage, doctors will recommend surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy to treat the cancer.

Conclusion

As early detection is the best way to improve chances of recovery, people must consult their doctors if they notice any throat cancer symptoms. Persistent cough and a change in voice may not seem serious, but these could be throat cancer symptoms one must not ignore. Moreover, people who smoke and consume betel quid, gutka or alcohol must undergo annual screenings. Regular tests will help detect any abnormalities and get them timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age does throat cancer occur?

The chances of throat cancer increase with age. Therefore, men aged 65 and above may have higher chances of being diagnosed with throat cancer.

2. What does Stage 1 throat cancer feel like?

Stage 1 is the earliest stage of throat cancer. The tumour measures no more than two centimetres. It is limited to the throat and is not spread to the lymph nodes.

3. How is throat cancer detected?

To detect throat cancer, doctors first conduct a physical examination to check for a lump in the mouth, swollen lymph nodes or any other abnormality. Next, they order a laryngoscopy to examine the area behind the nose and study the throat. They take detailed images of the throat using a Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Doctors also conduct a biopsy. It is used to observe samples of tissues collected from the throat to help make a diagnosis.

4. Can an ENT see throat cancer?

Yes. An ENT specialist can diagnose throat cancer by conducting a clinical examination and an endoscopy.

5. What is the best test for cancer?

A CT scan is the best test for cancer as it provides detailed images of the tumour, its size, shape and position.

6. Is throat cancer curable?

Yes. Timely diagnosis improves the chances of recovery.

7. Can HPV cause throat cancer?

Yes. Certain types of HPV, called oropharyngeal HPV, can cause oropharyngeal cancer.

8. What are the different types of throat cancer?

Different types of throat cancer are:

• Laryngeal cancer

• Oropharyngeal cancer

• Hypopharyngeal cancer

• Nasopharyngeal cancer

• Supraglottic cancer

• Glottic cancer

• Subglottic cancer

9. Is throat cancer more common in certain age groups?

Yes. Throat cancer is common among men aged 65 and above.

10. Can voice changes be a sign of throat cancer?

Yes, voice changes can be a sign of laryngeal cancer. It develops on the vocal cords and affects the voice.

11. How often should I get screened for throat cancer?

For people who regularly drink alcohol or use tobacco, an annual screening for throat cancer is essential.

12. Can throat cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Yes. If left untreated, throat cancer can spread to other parts, such as the thyroid, trachea or the oesophagus.

13. Are there any genetic factors that contribute to throat cancer?

People with a parent or a sibling diagnosed with laryngeal cancer are prone to throat cancer. Similarly, people with syndromes caused due to inherited gene defects also have a higher chance of developing throat cancer.

14. What is the importance of early detection?

Early detection of throat cancer is necessary as it increases the chances of successful treatment and prevents the cancer from spreading to nearby areas.

15. Who is at risk of throat cancer?

Men above 55, who are regular smokers and consume betel quid (paan), gutka and alcohol, are at higher risk of throat cancer.