How to Check for Throat Cancer at Home: Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

What is throat cancer?

Throat cancer is a type of cancer that affects the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). These types of cancers are uncommon when compared to other cancer types. When people develop this medical condition, the tumors usually form in the middle part of their throat (oropharynx) or voice box. 

These cancers don't usually cause symptoms right away. These symptoms often come as noticeable; they often come as less serious conditions like sore throat or voice changes and are dismissed due to less serious health conditions like a cold or flu, which leads to delayed medical consultation.

What are the symptoms to check for throat cancer at home?

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms such as a lump in the throat or neck, then you can check these signs at home. 

Note: Please understand that these are not a substitute for any medical diagnosis, but they can help you become more aware of any new changes happening in your body. 

Use a mirror and torch

Open your mouth and use a torch to inspect the back of your throat, tonsils and tongue base. 

Watch out for symptoms such as:

• Red or white patches 
• Any sores that don’t heal
• Any unusual lumps or growths
• Swelling or asymmetrical growths

Feel your neck and throat

Try to gently press the sides of your neck and under the jaw, carefully notice any lumps, tenderness and swelling in those areas.

Watch out for symptoms like:

• A painless lump that doesn’t get improved or disappear could be a sign of cancer
• Swelling 

Pay attention to the sound changes

Please pay close attention to any new changes in your voice. Check if your sound is getting hoarser, weaker, deeper, or raspier than usual. 

Monitor your symptoms over time

If you keep experiencing any of these symptoms continuously for more than 2 to 3 weeks, without any improvement, then consult an ENT specialist immediately. Do not ignore these signs!

List out the symptoms which helps you with your diagnosis, including:

• Pain while swallowing foods
• Throat irritation
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Cough patterns
• Sore throat

Risk factors

There are some risk factors that increase your risk of developing cancer, including:

• Smoking or the use of tobacco products
• HPV Infection
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Epstein- barr virus infection
• Toxic substance exposure

When to consult a doctor?

If you are experiencing symptoms like a sore throat lasting more than two to three weeks, along with other common symptoms,

Including:

• Sudden voice changes without any improvement, 
• Visible lump or mass developed in the throat or neck 
• Experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing foods
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in the saliva or phlegm

Don’t ignore the above symptoms and consult an ENT specialist immediately, if the condition is not improving even after two weeks! Early detection saves lives!