Know the Signs of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially when they seem minor at first. A hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat, ear pain, a neck lump or changes that do not go away should never be ignored.
Most symptoms will not be cancer, but persistent or unusual changes deserve attention. If something feels different, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, speak to your GP, dentist or pharmacist and get it checked.
Know the Signs of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially when they seem minor at first. A hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat, ear pain, a neck lump or changes that do not go away should never be ignored.
Most symptoms will not be cancer, but persistent or unusual changes deserve attention. If something feels different, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, speak to your GP, dentist or pharmacist and get it checked.
Common signs to look out for
Throat cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially when they seem minor at first. These are some of the signs that should not be ignored.
Hoarse voice or voice change
A hoarse voice, croaky voice or change in your voice that lasts more than three weeks should be checked.
Difficulty swallowing
Pain, discomfort or the feeling of food sticking when you swallow should not be ignored.
Lump or swelling in the neck
A new, unexplained or persistent lump in the neck needs medical advice.
Persistent sore throat
A sore throat that does not go away, keeps coming back or feels unusual should be checked.
Persistent cough
A cough that lasts more than three weeks, especially with other throat symptoms, should be checked.
Ear pain
Unexplained or one-sided ear pain can sometimes be linked to problems in the throat.
Throat pain
Ongoing throat pain, discomfort or a feeling that something is not right should be checked.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying can sometimes be a warning sign and should be checked.
Changes that do not go away
Any new, unusual or persistent change in your throat, voice, swallowing or neck should be checked.
When to get checked
Most throat symptoms are not cancer. They are often caused by infections, reflux, voice strain or other common conditions.
But symptoms that are new, unusual, persistent, getting worse, or only affecting one side should be checked.
Do not wait and hope it disappears if something feels wrong. Speak to your GP, dentist or pharmacist and explain clearly what has changed, how long it has been happening, and whether it is getting worse.
Do not panic — but do not ignore it.
Seek urgent help
If you are having difficulty breathing, feel increasingly short of breath, or feel as though your throat is closing, seek urgent medical help.