Symptoms of throat cancer

Overview Head and neck cancers are a broad category of cancers that occur in the head and neck region. Head and neck cancer treatment depends on the type, location and size of your cancer. Treatment for head and neck cancers often involves surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Treatments may be combined.

Esophageal cancer Esophageal cancer most often occurs in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus helps move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus. More men than women get esophageal cancer. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include: • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) • Weight loss without trying • Chest pain, pressure or burning • Worsening indigestion or heartburn • Coughing or hoarseness Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs or symptoms. When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you. If you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by chronic acid reflux, your risk of esophageal cancer is higher. Ask your doctor what signs and symptoms to watch for that may signal that your condition is worsening. Screening for esophageal cancer may be an option for people with Barrett's esophagus. If you have Barrett's esophagus, discuss the pros and cons of screening with your doctor. Causes It's not exactly clear what causes esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the esophagus develop changes (mutations) in...

People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Drinking too much alcohol over a long time also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancer. Most throat cancers develop in adults older than 50. Men are more likely than women to develop throat cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (the same virus that causes genital warts) account for a larger number of oral and throat cancers than in the past. One type of HPV, type 16 or HPV-16, is much more commonly associated with almost all throat cancers. Symptoms of throat cancer include any of the following: • Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds • Cough • Coughing up blood • Difficulty swallowing • Hoarseness that does not get better in 3 to 4 weeks • Neck or ear pain • Sore throat that does not get better in 2 to 3 weeks, even with antibiotics • Swelling or lumps in the neck • Weight loss not due to dieting The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. When the tumor is small, either surgery or When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination of radiation and Depending on what type of treatment you require, supportive treatments that may be needed include: • Speech therapy. • Therapy to help with chewing and swallowing. • Learning to eat enough protein and calories to keep your weight up. Ask your provider about liquid food supplements that can...