Signs of Throat Cancer Has your voice changed recently? Does it get worn out, scratchy and hoarse on a daily basis? If this describes you, read on.
Change in voice is often the first sign of throat cancer, since the vocal cords are often the first part of the throat that cancer will develop within.
This process usually happens quite slowly and gets worse with time, hence why it is so important to catch it early.
In order to understand this diagnosis I am going to paint you a picture of human throat anatomy.
See the five primary throat parts below.
Pharynx: A tube of muscle that is between the mouth and nose passages.
Larynx: The "voicebox" of your body.
Your vocal chords are contained in here.
Epiglottis: Door to the windpipe, halts food and beverage from flowing into the trachea.
Trachea: A pathway/tube that allows for passage of air to your lungs.
Esophagus: A muscular tube that passes food and beverage into your abdomen/stomach.
Tonsils: Two masses of flesh found in the rear of the throat.
No one really knows their purpose, it is hypothesized that they stave off infection (but often get infected themselves).
Cancer isn't limited to the larynx or voicebox, it also could start forming in any of the other parts of the throat, it is not exclusive.
One of the top causes of throat cancer is smoking.
Smoking, and chewing tobacco products is the number one culprit.
Drinking too much alcohol can also play it's part.
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and human papilloma virus also have tendencies to promote the development of cancer in your throat.
Stay healthy, fit, and do not smoke/chew tobacco.
Below are some additional common symptoms of throat cancer.
Throat cancer warning signs:
The main thing to note is the prolonged nature of these symptoms in regards to throat cancer.
If it has been happening for a long time and you have been showing signs of these symptoms, you need to go see a doctor immediately.
Only a proper biopsy of the specific problematic cell culture can determine if your sickness is cancer related.
Change in voice is often the first sign of throat cancer, since the vocal cords are often the first part of the throat that cancer will develop within.
This process usually happens quite slowly and gets worse with time, hence why it is so important to catch it early.
In order to understand this diagnosis I am going to paint you a picture of human throat anatomy.
See the five primary throat parts below.
Pharynx: A tube of muscle that is between the mouth and nose passages.
Larynx: The "voicebox" of your body.
Your vocal chords are contained in here.
Epiglottis: Door to the windpipe, halts food and beverage from flowing into the trachea.
Trachea: A pathway/tube that allows for passage of air to your lungs.
Esophagus: A muscular tube that passes food and beverage into your abdomen/stomach.
Tonsils: Two masses of flesh found in the rear of the throat.
No one really knows their purpose, it is hypothesized that they stave off infection (but often get infected themselves).
Cancer isn't limited to the larynx or voicebox, it also could start forming in any of the other parts of the throat, it is not exclusive.
One of the top causes of throat cancer is smoking.
Smoking, and chewing tobacco products is the number one culprit.
Drinking too much alcohol can also play it's part.
A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and human papilloma virus also have tendencies to promote the development of cancer in your throat.
Stay healthy, fit, and do not smoke/chew tobacco.
Below are some additional common symptoms of throat cancer.
Throat cancer warning signs:
- Chronic never-ending cough
- Painful Swallowing and Difficulty Swallowing
- Un-provoked weight loss (no change in diet or activity exercise)
- Red Blood/ Streaks in your phlegm
- Globus or "Lump in throat" sensation
- Swollen lymph glands on neck
The main thing to note is the prolonged nature of these symptoms in regards to throat cancer.
If it has been happening for a long time and you have been showing signs of these symptoms, you need to go see a doctor immediately.
Only a proper biopsy of the specific problematic cell culture can determine if your sickness is cancer related.