Throat cancer is a rare condition caused by abnormal cancerous cell growth within any region of the throat (pharynx), including the vocal cords or voice box (larynx). Though the cause of throat cancer is unknown, regular tobacco or alcohol use may increase your risk of developing this condition. Treatment of throat cancer typically involves surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. If you develop any signs of throat cancer, speak with your doctor for additional guidance.
Abnormal Breathing
The growth of cancerous cells within your throat can interfere with your ability to breathe normally. If you have throat cancer, you may notice high-pitched sounds when you inhale or exhale. Coughing or producing phlegm that contains blood are also signs of throat cancer in some patients.
Difficulty Swallowing
If you develop throat cancer, you can experience difficulty swallowing due to inflammation of the throat muscles caused by cancer cells. A persistent sore throat that is not relieved with antibiotic treatment can also be a sign of throat cancer. Certain people with this condition can feel as though something is caught in the throat, which can contribute to coughing symptoms.
Neck Pain or Swelling
Cancerous cells that invade the tissue lining the throat can cause severe inflammation and irritation to develop. This can cause your neck to appear swollen or enlarged. Certain patients develop a noticeable mass or lump within the neck, the American Cancer Society explains. You can also develop swollen lymph nodes within the neck due to throat cancer. Such symptoms can contribute to pain within the neck or throat.
Vocal Alterations
Throat cancer can affect the normal function of your voice box, which can change the sound of your voice. If you have throat cancer, you can develop a persistently hoarse or scratchy voice that can make speaking painful or difficult. As this condition progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to speak normally and you may temporarily lose your voice.
Weight Loss
Cancer of the throat can cause significant and unintentional weight loss to occur in patients with this condition. Painful symptoms associated with throat cancer can cause eating to become difficult or painful. As a result of such symptoms, you can experience a decrease in your appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
