The abnormal, unregulated growth of cells within the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx) is a medical condition known as throat cancer. Health officials at the National Cancer Institute report that nearly 25,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with throat cancer in 2009. Smoking tobacco or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
Sore Throat
Abnormal cell growth within the throat due to cancer can irritate and inflame this delicate tissue. When this occurs, you can experience difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat. Sore throat signs associated with throat cancer typically persist for longer than one to two weeks and are unresponsive to treatment with antibiotic medication, explains Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia provided in part by the National Institutes of Health.
Hoarseness
Cancerous cells that invade the throat and voice box can interfere with your ability to speak normally. You can notice that your voice sounds raspy or hoarse or that you have difficulty speaking clearly or loudly. Early signs of hoarseness resulting from throat cancer can become progressively worse as cancerous cells continue to grow.
Cough
Irritation due to cancerous cells within the throat can cause you to develop a cough. When you cough, you may also notice that you expel phlegm that contains small amounts of blood, warn health professionals at the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center. Signs of cough may also be accompanied by unusually difficult or high-pitched breathing.
Neck Swelling
Throat cancer can cause small tumors to develop within your neck, which can lead to signs of swelling or tenderness within the affected body region. When your doctor touches your neck, she may be able to feel a lump or mass beneath the skin. These signs of throat cancer can also contribute to sensations of pain within your neck, warns Medline Plus.
Weight Loss
Early signs of throat cancer, including difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat, can make eating or drinking uncomfortable. If this occurs, you may consume less food than usual, which can cause you to experience unintended weight loss as a sign of this condition.
