If a person has a relatively higher risk of throat cancer, it is very important to be aware of the most common throat cancer symptoms and signs. This is because the cancer has a strong potential to be lethal unless it is caught early. Unfortunately, many throat cancer symptoms and signs can also be indicative of other, less serious issues, and some of them are seemingly unrelated to the throat. This is why people must be aware of what to expect, and why they must contact a physician if they believe that something is not quite right.
Understanding the Throat Cancer Symptoms and Signs:
One of the key things to be aware of in terms of detecting throat cancer, are the sensations in your face. A lot of people with this form of cancer will start to experience persistent pain in the neck and the face, which can be indicative of many things, including a problem with the throat. Often, people also experience numbness, sometimes as far as paralysis, in the facial muscles, which is equally worrisome. Again, this could also be indicative of a different problem, such as a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), but it should be checked out just to be sure.
Symptoms in the Nose:
Throat cancer, and particularly early stage throat cancer, can also cause symptoms in the nose. Blocked sinuses and frequent nose bleeds, for instance, could be indicative of cancer being present. This is why even a blocked sinus, which is relative common, should not be left untreated. If it does not respond to treatment, even if bacteria are discovered and antibiotics are prescribed, then you may have some cause for concern. Perhaps the issue is related solely to the sinuses, but it is always best to be safe than sorry.
Symptoms in the Head and Mouth:
Then, there is the head and the mouth, which can both be affected by throat cancer as well. You may also experience pain in your ears, which can be caused by a problem in the throat. Furthermore, people often experience pain in their upper jaw, and particularly around the teeth. While your first port of call in this case should be a dentist, they may refer you for further investigation if they cannot find an obvious issue that could cause this.
Drinking Alcohol and Smoking as Risk Factors:
Anyone is at risk of throat cancer due to the heavily polluted environment in which we live. However, those who smoke and consume a lot of alcohol are particularly at high risk. Similarly, those who have had industrial exposure to chemicals and pollutants such as asbestos should always be watchful of the signs of throat cancer. Physicians are there to help diagnose and treat, so they should be consulted whenever something isn’t quite right. It is unlikely to be cancer in most cases, but if your body is telling you that something is wrong, you should listen to it and help resolve it. And if it is cancer, you will have a greater chance of beating this disease if it is still at an early stage.
