In 2009, almost 25,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with a form of throat cancer, report health professionals with the National Cancer Institute. Throat cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow along any region of the throat. The beginning symptoms of throat cancer may be mild, but affected patients should seek additional medical evaluation and care from a doctor.
Sore Throat
When cancerous cells begin to grow they can irritate the affected throat tissue, causing it to swell. As a result, patients with throat cancer can develop sore throat symptoms during the beginning stages of this disease, explain medical professionals with the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Sore throat symptoms can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult for affected patients to swallow normally. Difficulty swallowing can lead to problems eating, decreased appetite or unintended weight loss in patients with throat cancer. Sore throat symptoms of throat cancer typically persist for several weeks are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment.
Cough
Discomfort within the throat caused by cancerous cell growth can lead to the emergence of cough symptoms in patients during the beginning stages of this form of cancer, explains the Cancer Treatment Center of America. Cough symptoms typically persist for several weeks and may become worse as throat cancer progresses. Persistent cough symptoms can exacerbate sore throat symptoms and may occur in conjunction with chest pain or discomfort.
Ear Pain
Ear pain can develop as a beginning symptom of throat cancer in affected patients, report medical professionals at the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center in Gainesville. Patients can develop sensations of pain in either one or both ears that is mild to moderate in severity. Ear pain symptoms can make it difficult for affected patients to concentrate while at work or school and may contribute to symptoms of headache in certain patients. A doctor should evaluate patients who develop ear pain symptoms as this early symptom of throat cancer can also be a sign of an ear infection.
