Throat cancer occurs when the cells in the throat develop genetic changes, which causes them to grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a cancerous tumor in the throat. Throat cancer can develop in a person's throat, voice box or tonsils. According to Medline Plus, smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive drinking are the major causes of throat cancer. MayoClinic.com reports that there are certain early warning signs that can be seen in individuals with throat cancer and these include voice changes, lumps in the neck, and weight loss.
Voice Changes
As it is noted on MayoClinic.com, voice changes are an early warning sign of throat cancer. The individual's voice may get hoarse the hoarseness may not go away for weeks. The individual may also develop a cough that worsens with time. Coughing up blood or blood found in a sputum analysis, are also indications of this type of cancer. A sore throat does not get better in two weeks, even when the person is treated with antibiotics, can also be a sign of throat cancer. Abnormal, often high-pitched, breathing sounds may also be present.
Lump in the Neck
According to MayoClinic.com, a lump in the neck is an early warning sign of throat cancer. The person may also develop a sore in the throat that does not heal after repeated treatments. A feeling of something constantly stuck in the throat is a symptom that may be experienced by a person with throat cancer. Neck pain is also often reported by patients.
Unintentional Weight Loss
According to MayoClinic.com, weight loss is an early warning sign of throat cancer. It goes on to say that if both non-healing sores and changes in the voice are accompanied by weight loss, the individual may have throat cancer. This is especially true if the person is not making any conscious efforts to lose weight and yet the decrease in weight is visible.
Other Signs
Pain in the ear may also be experienced as an early sign of the disease. The individual may also experience difficulty in swallowing. Bad breath and problems in breathing are also signs of throat cancer.
