One of the first things your doctor will do when you notice a lump or sore in the back of your throat is to do a physical exam. They’ll also check your neck and lymph nodes for swelling. If any of these conditions are present, your doctor may suggest further testing, including imaging tests. Your doctor may also recommend a biopsy if the abnormality is large enough. Listed below are some of the more common symptoms of throat cancer.
A change in voice tone may be another symptom of throat cancer. Your voice may sound hoarse or quiet, affecting your ability to speak and pronounced words. You may also experience difficulty swallowing, which can cause a burning sensation. You may feel like your food is stuck in your throat. These symptoms may be linked to weight loss, so if you notice these signs, you should seek medical attention. A lump in the throat is a sign of cancer.
Other symptoms of throat cancer include a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Your voice may also change and sound like you have a cold. You may also have trouble pronouncing certain sounds and slur your words. Symptoms that indicate the presence of throat cancer include pain when swallowing, a sore, or a lump in the neck, unexplained weight loss, persistent coughing, and a stiff jaw.
You may notice a change in the odor and breath of a person with throat cancer. Several signs can accompany a persistent cough, including a sore throat, a cough with blood, and a bad chest cold. If you cough up blood while you’re coughing, it’s a sign of cancer in the throat. The blood should be bright red and bubbly, or mixed with air.
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps the body protect itself. Coughing up blood may also be a symptom of throat cancer. Chronic coughing may also be caused by cancer of the tonsils. Other symptoms of throat cancer include swelling of the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes, and a sore throat. If these symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with a doctor.
Radiotherapy is another common treatment for throat cancer. This therapy involves passing high-energy X-rays through the cancer cells. This treatment is often used along with other treatments like chemotherapy. The first two types of treatment may not be suitable for everyone, but if you’re diagnosed early, your odds are good. A five-year survival rate for laryngeal cancer is 65 percent to 55 percent, which is much better than that of people with other types of cancer. If you smoke, smoking cessation may improve your chances.
Another symptom of throat cancer is difficulty swallowing. If swallowing becomes difficult, occupational therapists can help you with these problems. Your doctor may recommend reconstructive surgery if necessary. There are several treatments for throat cancer and the survival rate for those diagnosed with the disease varies depending on the location of the tumor, its stage, and individual factors. The good news is that most cancers can be cured if detected early. If you have a cancerous tumor, you can begin a diet rich in herbs such as salad snake grass and red clover.
