Throat Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For

Often, a sore throat is just a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. If, however, it does not go away or occurs with other symptoms, it could be an indicator of throat cancer, an umbrella term encompassing several types of head and neck cancers. If you are experiencing unusual throat symptoms with no known cause, it’s important to talk to your primary care provider.

Signs and Symptoms of Throat Cancer

A sore throat that lingers or feels different than usual can be easy to ignore. But some symptoms may be your body's way of asking for a closer look. 

Early symptoms

• A sore throat that lasts more than a few weeks
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Trouble swallowing or feeling like something is stuck
• Ear pain without an ear infection
• A lump or swelling in the neck

Advanced and concerning signs

• Ongoing throat pain that worsens
• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• A lump in the neck that grows or doesn't go away

If something feels off, you don't need a diagnosis, just someone who listens. Getting checked early can bring clarity and peace of mind. 

When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Cancer

You don't need to know what's causing your symptoms to reach out for help. If something feels "off" in your throat and it isn't getting better, it's important to get it checked. Early care can make a big difference. 

You should seek medical attention if you notice:

• A sore throat that doesn't go away after two weeks
• Trouble swallowing or the feeling that food is getting stuck
• A persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up blood
• A lump in your neck that's growing or not going away
• Hoarseness or voice changes that last longer than two weeks
• Ongoing ear pain on one side without a clear reason
• Unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue

If any of these symptoms are new, worsening, or lasting longer than you expect, it's a good time to schedule an appointment. You deserve answers and getting checked early can give you peace of mind and a clearer path forward. 

Types of Throat Cancer

Learning about the different types of throat cancer can help you understand the signs.

Most throat cancers are also classified by the type of cells where the cancer begins. 

What Causes Throat Cancer & What Factors Can Increase Your Risk?

Throat cancer can develop when cells in the throat grow and change in ways they shouldn't. This often happens slowly over time, and many people don't notice early changes. While anyone can develop throat cancer, certain factors can increase the chances. 

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco
• Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
• Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection linked with some throat cancers
• Long-term exposure to irritants, such as chemicals or poor air quality
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Chronic acid reflux, which can cause ongoing throat irritation
• Older age, especially over 50

Treatment Options for Throat Cancer

If you need treatment for throat cancer, your personalized plan will depend on several factors. These include the type of cancer, whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body — imaging tests, such as a PET scan, can help find areas of spread — and your overall health.

Fortunately, many treatments are available for throat cancers. These treatments include longstanding options, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and more recent innovations, such as targeted therapy. This form of treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells by attacking the substances that help them grow and spread.

If you notice potential signs of throat cancer, do not shrug them off. Seek medical help to find out what is causing them. If you do have cancer, finding it early can give you a better chance of successful treatment.

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Getting answers starts with a simple conversation. A doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, how long they've been happening, and how they're affecting your daily life. From there, they may use a few tools to see more clearly what's going on. 

 Diagnosis may include:

• A physical exam, where your doctor looks at your throat, mouth, and neck
• A flexible scope exam (laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy to view the throat using a thin, lighted tube
• Imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, PET, or X-ray, to look for unusual areas
• A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken and checked under a microscope

These steps help your care team understand what's causing your symptoms and what treatment, if any, you may need. The goal is straightforward: give you clear answers and a plan that helps you feel more in control. 

How Can You Prevent Throat Cancer?

While not all cases of throat cancer can be prevented, there are practical steps that can lower your risk. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time. 

Ways to help protect your throat health include:

• Avoid tobacco products: Quitting smoking - or never starting - is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. 
• Limit alcohol use: Drinking less can help protect the delicate tissues in your throat.
• Protect yourself from HPV: The HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of certain throat cancers linked to the virus.
• Eat a balanced diet: Fruits, vegetables, and whole foods support overall health and may help lower cancer risk.
• Manage chronic acid reflux: Treating reflux can prevent ongoing throat
• Use protective gear: If you work around dust, fumes, or harsh chemicals. 
• Prioritize regular checkups: Early conversations with your doctor can catch issues sooner. 

No single step guarantees prevention but caring for your throat and your overall health can help you stay ahead of problems and feel more confident about your well-being. 

Chat with a Trusted Medical Professional at CHRISTUS

You deserve answers and a care team that knows that to listen for. At CHRISTUS Health, experienced ENT specialists and primary care providers work together to spot concerns early, explain what's happening in clear language, and guide you through next steps with compassion and confidence. If something doesn't feel right, you don't have to wait or wonder alone. 

Two ways to take the next step:

• Schedule with a CHRISTUS ENT for expert evaluation of ongoing throat, voice, or swallowing symptoms. 
• Book a visit with a CHRISTUS primary care provider to talk through symptoms and get a clear plan, starting today.