Throat Cancer – What Are The Symptoms?

Throat cancer is not just related to tobacco.  This disease develops in the mouth, tongue, palate and throat, and is also associated with sunlight and the papillomavirus, or HPV virus.

This type of cancer is not very common and occurs mainly in people over 50 years of age. It becomes more common with age, and is generally more common in men.

It is important to be able to identify symptoms in a timely manner, especially because they may be confused with harmless herpes, ulcers, or minor mouth infections,  which are very common problems.

The problem is more complex for non-smokers. Throat cancer is most often associated with smokers.

Indeed, many think, “If I don’t smoke, I can’t get this kind of cancer.” The truth, however, is that people who have never smoked can also develop throat cancer.

Symptoms of throat cancer

Most throat cancers develop in carcinomas. These are thin and flat cells, and they are not mere ulcers.

If a person has weak resistance and is used to inflammation of the mouth, ulcers, or bleeding gums,  he may not notice the symptoms associated with throat cancer.

If a doctor conducts an extensive examination of the tongue and throat,  this cancer can be detected. Later, a biopsy can be used to ascertain if this type of tumor is indeed present.

Here are some of the main symptoms of throat cancer.

Physical changes are visible in the mouth

• The earliest symptom of throat cancer are small ulcers that do not heal.
• It is typical that red or white begins to appear on the tongue, or else this occurs in the gums and lips.
• Pay attention to any unusual changes that do not go away in a few days and tell your doctor.

A small pain that gets worse over time

Another important symptom of throat cancer is pain when chewing or swallowing. People with a denture may immediately feel that the denture is starting to interfere and cause bleeding or pain.

• Speaking is suddenly painful.
• Moving the tongue and even touching the chin causes clear pain.
• The pain may also extend to the ears.

The throat feels like a piece

If you have difficulty swallowing, regular irritability of the tonsils, or coughing up blood (even if only momentarily), they should be considered.

• However, it should be remembered that  these ailments do not always present any serious problem,  nor is a tumor in the pharyngeal area always dangerous.
• The most important thing is early diagnosis, which means you need to be vigilant about these changes.

Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss is a common occurrence in most cancers. When it comes to throat cancer, it is common to experience a decrease in appetite and even difficulty swallowing as usual.

The resistance will decrease and this will lead to a gradual weight loss.

Can throat cancer be prevented?

As we have often said in our articles,  no disease can be prevented with absolute 100% certainty. However, we can influence factors that minimize risk.

This type of cancer is related to the following:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• HPV or papillomavirus. The type associated with throat cancer (which also includes pharyngeal cancer) is HPV 16.
• UV light. For example, lip cancer is more common in people who work outdoors and thus receive more sunlight.
• Poor diet and poor resistance.
• Hereditary disorders such as Fanconi anemia.

Since it is known what causes throat cancer, it is advisable to pay attention to lifestyle to prevent it – without going too far.

It is never a bad idea to quit smoking, eat a balanced and varied diet, and use sunscreen on your skin and lips.

Finally, we also want to say that when symptoms appear, it is important to stay calm. Still, do not hesitate to contact your doctor  or other expert so that you can have a simple test to rule out the possibility of this cancer.

It is always worth remembering that health is something that should never be postponed.