What You Need to Know About Throat Cancer

Throat cancer can occur in the voice box, the back of the mouth, or behind the nose. When caught early, the prognosis is generally good. Compared to other cancers, throat cancer is relatively uncommon, but some people are more at risk.

What Puts You at Risk for Throat Cancer?

Woman asking herself, "Is my throat pain cancer?"

According to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Smoking and excessive alcohol use have been associated with as much as 75% of throat cancer cases. You may be at a higher risk for throat cancer if you:

Smoke or chew tobacco
Drink alcohol excessively
Have nutritional deficiencies from a diet low in fruits and vegetables
Suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease
Are exposed regularly to toxic substances such as asbestos or nickel
Contract viruses such as HPV or Epstein-Barr (EBV)

There’s also a higher incidence of throat cancer in people who are:

Men
Over the age of 65
African American

What Does Throat Cancer Feel Like In the Beginning?

Throat cancer can grow very quickly, so if you are concerned, you should schedule a visit to be evaluated. Getting treatment early improves your odds of better outcomes.

The most common early symptom is a persistent sore throat.

Some symptoms of throat cancer are:

Changes in your voice or ability to swallow
Hoarseness
Sore throat lasting weeks
Persistent cough
Difficulty breathing
Lumps in the neck or throat
Unexpected weight loss
Swelling in the face or nose

Some patients also get headaches, pain in their jaw, or earaches.

I have a lump on my throat that hurts. Is it cancer?

A lump in the throat can be a sign of throat cancer, and the same is true of a persistent sore throat, though these can also be signs of other health issues. If you have either, it’s best to come in and see us. We will give you a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, do additional tests, including:

Biopsy
Imaging
Scoping

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