Throat cancer symptoms often include visible sores, a swollen tongue, and lumps in the throat or neck.
Leukoplakiasores are premalignant lesions, which means theyre not cancerous yet but could develop into cancer.
Most cases are benign and some go away on their own, but others will progress to become cancer.
Illustration by Katie Kerpel for Verywell Health
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They often are linked to tobacco and alcohol use.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet and ARaimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany
It can appear on the tongue, the tonsils, or the top of the mouth.
Unlike some ulcers and other lesions likecanker sores, these are minimally painful.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
A mass on the side of the neck is the most common symptom of throat cancer.
It appears on only one side and is larger than a swollen lymph node.
This is most common in people with a long history of smoking.
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A Lump in the Neck
Metastasisis the spread of cancer from its original location.
Infection with HPV is one of the major causes of throat cancer.
About 10% of men and 3.6% of women have oral HPV.
Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
Many cases clear on their own, but some persist for years, which is when cancer can develop.
Human papillomavirus is an infection that can be prevented.
TheHPV vaccineis very safe and effective at preventing infections, genital warts, and precancers.
Submucous fibrosis is often a precancerous disorder but can become malignant in 1.5% to 15% of cases.
These lesions typically start in the mouth and gums, but can also involve the throat.
They can cause burning sensations after eating spicy foods, pain when eating, and difficulty opening the mouth.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms may also suggest throat cancer.
You may also notice hoarseness or other changes in the voice if cancer spreads to the larynx.
Coughing up blood is extremely rare.
It can result from tumor cells eroding into blood vessels.
This is a sign of end-stage disease with a grim prognosis.
Can You Check for Throat Cancer at Home?
Your dental professional is trained to check for signs of oral cancer.
If you find concerning symptoms, tests may be needed for adiagnosis of throat cancer.
These include a physical exam to feel for swollen lymph nodes and other nodules, and testing for HPV.
Other procedures, such as an endoscopy to visualize the throat or a biopsy, may be ordered.
Testing for genetic mutations also may be needed to inform diagnosis and treatment.
Seek immediate care if you have a fever or cough up blood.
It can help to identify concerning symptoms by reviewing throat cancer pictures and performing periodic self-checks.
Many throat cancers are due to smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and HPV.
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