10 Throat Cancer Symptoms (Full Explanation)

The dangerous of deadly throat cancer can be minimized when the sufferer knows about the symptoms from the beginning and doing or taking the appropriate action. That why, we have to know the characteristics and symptoms of throat cancer before it grows rapidly and difficult to be handled.

It is not easy and hard enough to identify any signs and symptoms of throat cancer, but when we suspect it, then it is the right time to do the examination. Moreover, nowdays have already available various types of modern examinations that can detect the presence of cancer. 

Throat cancer refers to a malignant tumor or cancer that develops in the pharynx, voice box (larynx) or tonsils. Given these parts are  important role in the process of voicing, breathing, and swallowing food, then the characteristics and symptoms of throat cancer are not far from the disruption of the functions of its parts. 

Some of common signs and throat cancer symptoms are: 

 Cough 

 Changing voice, such as hoarseness or sounds are not clear

 Hard swallowing

 Hard breathing

 Snoring

 Ear pain

 throatache

 Lumps or pain that does not heal

 Bleeding from the nose or mouth

 Weight loss

In more detail, here the following explanation.

Here are 10 traits and symptoms of throat cancer

1. Cough

When the throat area undergoes the process of neoplasm or also known as new abnormal tissue formation, it will be followed by a sense of discomfort, increasing phlegm, severed by an irritating reaction that makes the sufferer feel like coughing. Coughing indicates that there is something wrong with the throat. Indeed, this complaint is a lot of causes, such as irritation due to dust, smoke, or possibly due to virus or bacterial infections. But the typical cough for throat cancer is a coughing that does not go away, accompanied by weight loss, bloody cough, and accompanied by others symptoms of throat cancer that supports.

2. Throatache

It happens due to inflammatory processes that never stop. Given that the cancerous tissue is fragile, it bleeds easily and becomes infected. 

3. Changed sound ( hoarse )

Changing that often occur in the form of hoarseness. This occurs when the cancer is concerned the larynx (vocal cords). So whenever your voice changes and more than three weeks, it is highly recommended to check with an ENT specialist. 

4. Lumps in the neck

If the throat cancer has spread to one of the lymph nodes in the neck, then the sign that can be observed is a lump in the neck. Moreover, when this sign is accompanied by symptoms of other throat cancer. 

5. Respiratory problems

Noise breathing sound such as snoring (stridor) may occur if the opening of the vocal cords is narrowed by laryngeal cancer. It also can be caused by tumor that growth in the pharynx or tonsils. Also read: 10 Effective Ways to Eliminate Snoring at Sleep 

6. Difficulty in swallowing

A large throat tumor can narrow the opening of the esophagus and caused difficulty in swallowing. Even the flow of food can be clogged or back up. 

7. Ear pain

Sometimes the pain in the throat can be felt in the ear. This is referred to as the referred pain, due to the same or adjacent neural pathways. So when the ears hurt, it is also important to check the condition of the throat and overcome the other symptoms of throat cancer.

8. Breathing difficulties

Laryngeal cancer that affects the movement of vocal cords or cancer which very large can cause difficulty breathing. If the airway is completely closed, then the only way is to make a hole in the front of the neck that penetrates to the airway below the blockage.

9. Bleeding from the nose and mouth

The throat tissue that has turned into cancer has a fragile and bleeding nature. Therefore, frequent nasal or mouth complaints should be aware of as a feature or symptom of throat cancer. 

10.Weight loss

It is a common symptom of cancer, not just for the throat cancer. This happens because cancer cells produce chemicals that cause decreased appetite, increased body temperature, and weight loss. 

Remember, one by one the symptoms of throat cancer above can also be caused by other non-cancerous diseases. Therefore, whenever any of the above complaints should be checked to ensure the exact cause, so that appropriate action can be taken.

To check for throat cancer, the doctor will perform direct or indirect laryngoscopy. From the laryngoscopy, the doctor can see clearly the inside of your throat. If the test shows an abnormality, then the doctor will take tissue samples from your throat (biopsy) for testing.

 Several types of biopsies that are performed including: 

 Conventional biopsy. Sample tissue is taken through incision or cutting. This type of biopsy is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. 

 Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): The doctor inserts a small needle directly into the tumor to take a small sample cell. 

 Endoscopic Biopsy: The doctor inserts a thin tube through the mouth or nose to examine at once the tissue sampling through the incision with the tool. 

If the results are positive for throat cancer, then the examination continues to detect the extent of the spread of cancer. Required checking modalities such as rongsen, CT scan, and MRI. 

Next, the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer and apply appropriate therapy to the stage of cancer. 

In addition, do the following steps to minimize the severity or prevent throat cancer if the results are negative:

 Stop smoking or do not start smoking 

 Drinking alcohol is only sufficient, or not at all. Women maximum 1 cup per day, men 2 glasses per day. 

 Choose healthy foods from fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of throat cancer. Especially the variety of colored fruits and vegetables. 

 Protect yourself from HPV. Some throat cancers are thought to be caused by sexually transmitted infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Reduce the risks by using condoms and limit the number of 'couples'. Also consider the HPV vaccine, which is available for boys, girls, and productive ages. 

Recognize the symptoms, treat according to stadium, hopefully avoid the danger.