Throat cancer can involve the throat, voice box or tonsils. While the exact cause of throat cancer is still unknown, the risk for this disease is higher in those who use tobacco, have a poor diet, consume large amounts or alcohol, have poor dental hygiene practices, or have been exposed to asbestos. For individuals at a higher risk of this illness, the goal is to seek treatment as soon as the early signs of throat cancer appear. As with many diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference in the outcome.
Cough
Throat cancer in the early stages may produce symptoms that are so mild and general that they are not automatically associated with a serious illness, states the Hopkins Cancer Center. These symptoms can include a persistent cough, which may or may not be accompanied by hoarseness, and a sore throat that does not respond to treatment. A cough, hoarseness or other throat symptoms that persist for more than two weeks require medical attention. If the cough begins to produce blood, the cancer may be moving into a more advanced stage.
Pain
In the initial stages of throat cancer, the throat may become chronically sore. Speaking and swallowing may be painful and/or difficult, claims the National Cancer Institute. In some cases, the pain may radiate into the ears or other areas of the head. Some patients also experience a ringing in the ears and there may be a sensation of a lump or something stuck in the throat. If these symptoms appear, a physician can perform a physical exam, run lab tests and order scans to help determine if the cause of the symptoms is throat cancer or another illness.
Breathing Problems and Weight Loss
If the neck begins to swell due to throat cancer, breathing may become difficult. This can lead to high pitched or other abnormal sounds when breathing, warns the National Institutes of Health. The neck may appear swollen, or a lump may be visible. In some cases, unexplained weight loss can also occur due to this disease. The NIH states that throat cancer can be cured in up to 90 percent of patients, if it is caught in the early stages.
