There are many different types of throat cancer. Cancers in this region can be classified as tumors of the larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx or hypopharynx. The larynx is synonymous with the vocal cords. The nasopharynx is that part of the throat adjacent to the nasal passages. The oropharynx is closer to the mouth. The hypopharnyx refers to tissues deeper in the throat. These distinctions are important because the first signs of throat cancer depend upon where the cancer is located.
Hoarseness
The National Cancer Institute reports that laryngeal cancers "are usually detected because of hoarseness." This is consistent with the website Harrison's Practice, which also states that hoarseness is an early symptom.
The fact that laryngeal cancer has a symptom that can be detected early means that patients have a better prognosis---and a shot at avoiding the surgical removal of their vocal cords.
Stuffiness
Unlike laryngeal tumors, early symptoms of nasopharynx cancer are less recognizable. Doctorcaruana.org reports that early symptoms of nasopharygeal tumors "tend to be vague, cold-like symptoms, such as stuffiness." This is consistent with sources such as The Merck Manual, which states that "the first symptom is persistent blockage of the nose" or "a discharge of pus and blood from the nose." Other sources such as Harrison's state that there are no early symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancers. However, all these authorities agree that early diagnosis is uncommon because the nasopharnyx is not easily visualized on routine exams.
Neck Mass
According to Harrison's, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors do not have early symptoms. Here, the first signs of cancer are often symptoms of advanced disease. For many patients, the first symptom is a swollen lump on the neck indicating the involvement of lymph nodes. The lack of early symptoms means that patients tend to be diagnosed later, which portends a worse prognosis.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia refers to slightly raised white patches in the mouth and throat. While leukoplakia is benign and goes away by itself, the CancerHelp UK website reports that persistent leukoplakia is considered to be a precancerous state and should be checked out by a doctor. Related to leukoplakia is erythroplakia, or raised red patches. These too can be precancerous.
