I have had a cough/sore throat for over a month (for awhile I thought it was just a cold/flu, now I am pretty sure it is unrelated, since the flu is long gone and the throat still hurts). Archived. A laryngoscopy is a procedure wherein an ear, nose and throat doctor examines a patient's larynx and pharynx using a special tool known as a laryngoscope. (Because I was just in his office for pink-eye). Most of those will be old, Or will live in countries with poor healthcare. The condition affects 1 in 2500 (the same number as Cystic fibrosis). There's a certain subset of cancers that, while still being very rare in young people, are not as rare as others. I just don't know what to do. I drink moderately, usually a few drinks on the weekend I don't typically get drunk. Tobacco and moderate to heavy alcohol use are the primary risk factor for throat cancer. What other symptoms do you have? A sore throat can silence your singing voice. Throat cancer can develop in any part of the throat. Doctors don't generally use this term. Find out more. Finally, cancer of the hypopharynx usually involves symptoms such as pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing solid food. It affects only 7% of people born with my condition. This is important so that you have the correct information. There are several treatments for throat cancer, but the key is to catch it early. Ask a doctor or medical professional on Reddit! The back of your throat is raw and burning beyond imagination. You should also feel around your throat for any irregular growths or lumps, and stick out your tongue to see if you can spot any lesions. LPR, as anyone who has found this article certainly knows, stands for laryngeal pharyngeal reflux, and the symptoms can range from annoying to very troubling.. This week I have started getting more symptoms that are pointing the finger to throat cancer. I smoked for about 15 years, quit recently. Adsrkj, go to your dr., describe all your symptoms/concerns, and let him help you. A lump or sore that doesn't heal 6. Throat Cancer Signs and Symptoms. I know of two 50 something men who are family friends that were diagnosed with throat cancer. So 1960 will get throat cancer.. with my condition that heightens the risk. Sore Throat and Difficulty Swallowing. It could be indicative of a varied range of illnesses ranging from simple flu to asthma to major diseases like lung cancer. Try a sinus rinse, neti pot or saline nasal spray. A cough 2. Throat cancer isn't in that subset. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, note coughing, problems swallowing, weight loss, or ear pain. I appreciate it. The symptoms of HPV-positive throat cancer are similar to those of HPV-negative throat cancer. Redditors with cancer, what were your symptoms that led to the diagnosis? It's pretty rare. I am a 25 year old white male. One was operable and he is up and around and the other has stage IV. In later stages, you might experience subtle signs and symptoms like: Coughing. That statistic is very calming. Press J to jump to the feed. 3 years ago. There's no way around that. The other day, my gf said my voice sounded 'different'. This seems like a perfect thread to satisfy my hypochondria! They will rule out things like Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophageal Spasms, possibly GERD, Acid Reflux, and Ulcers as well. I admit I believe everything I see from Dr Google, bad habits I know. Agree with /u/Jcc123, this is not an emergency, so there is no need to go to the ER. There's a certain subset of cancers that, while still being very rare in young people, are not as rare as others. They will rule out other diagnoses before settling on cancer. Ok so here's what I got from your paragraph; Recently quit smoking so throat and sinuses are probably sensitive. As a result, I had a colonic interposition to fix it (where a part of my colon was used as a throat). Thank you, this is so thoroughly specific. OP should just make an appt with his GP and get checked out. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. If not, then go to the ER and explain your concerns. A lot can happen to that 5-inch hollow tube that connects the base of your nasal cavity to your windpipe and esophagus. It's that simple and no doctor will laugh at you for that. The purpose of the ER is to handle emergencies, and this clearly is not an emergency. Did you have a cold/flu a month ago before this all started? However, a 2014 study found that HPV-positive throat cancer causes more cases of … This is because there are different types of cancer which can affect the area of the throat. So, I have almost all of the symptoms of throat cancer, but I didn't realize this until this morning. Symptoms of throat cancer are not specific or distinctive, which means they can be also signs of other harmful disease and cancers. I have these symptoms, heartburn, coughing a lot, sore throat, and I find it hard to breathe. Some people notice warning signs shortly after a tumor starts to develop, while others do not experience anything out of the ordinary until the cancer has spread to nearby tissues. Do I go to an emergency room? Now, of that 7%... about 1% will get throat cancer. Throat cancer can develop inside your body with no visible signs. Difficulty swallowing 4. Throat cancers grow in the organs that help you swallow, speak, and breathe.. About half of these cancers happen in the throat itself, the tube that starts behind your nose and ends in your neck. A sore throat 7. share. Most cases are tied to lifestyle. A persistent sore throat: This is one of the most common symptoms of throat cancer. Most likely if you tried to go to the ER they will examine you and tell you to follow up with your regular doctor. Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may be nonspecific and overlap with symptoms from other, less serious conditions. To identify possible symptoms of throat cancer, look for changes in your voice, like hoarseness or an inability to pronounce words. Very rare... especially in young people. They are both scenarios where the cancerous tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes, and the cancer has not metastasized to any distant parts of the body. What is Stage 1 throat cancer? I am having scope done on my throat next week. This thread is archived. Simple words like this are therapeutic, I'm sure you understand. Throat cancer is pretty unlikely based on your age, but you do sound like you have something going on so definitely go in and get it checked out. I think I looked this up once and the average number of cases in my country of 70 million people for 18-24 year olds was like 6 or something. I get concerned sometimes as I will get difficult tonsil stones and I worry they might actually be something else. level 2. The outlook depends, to some extent, on where cancer starts. 174. share. I'm no Dr but I've been there, done that and I work in healthcare. Your doctor may use a special lighted scope (endoscope) to get a close look at your throat during a procedure called endoscopy. So in the 2,800,000, around 196,000 will get Barrett’s. Stage 1 throat cancer can be used to refer to either stage 1 hypopharyngeal or stage 1 oropharyngeal cancer. I am poor, so don't have extra money. A place for people with Health Anxiety / Illness Anxiety / Hypochondria to come together and start taking control of their disorder. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the HealthAnxiety community. Lastly, cancer is always a possibility but is unlikely at your age. Infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to an increased risk for some types of throat cancer. Throat cancer symptoms: Having this swallowing issue is a warning sign of the condition THROAT cancer is a complicated issue due to the various different structures within the throat. Throat cancer may refer to any type of cancer that originates in the mid-section of the head and neck (oropharynx) region, beginning at the back of the mouth, to the lowest portion of the throat (hypopharynx). Don't go to the ER. I am on medicare. The signs and symptoms of throat cancer may be difficult to identify in the early stages of the disease. It could be any one of a number of things, the least likely of which is cancer. Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include: 1. I don't want to pick up costly ER bills, but I really do think my doctor will just tell me to wait a few weeks to see if it was just my pinkeye... Any advice? Phew. If you felt that you wanted a full check, see a gastroenterologist for an EGD. 146 comments. You've been healing, don't worry. That is really straight forward and logical. This pain is known as radiating pain, which originates at the tumor and travels along the path of a nerve to another area. Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly 3. The ER is for extremely urgent, must treat NOW issues. Beat of luck with your own health. So, I have almost all of the symptoms of throat cancer, but I didn't realize this until this morning. Your throat. As a result, people born with it are more prone to acid reflux. That means that the chances of regular people is a lot lower. Make an appointment. This thread wasn't meant to scare anyone but only to inform. These symptoms can also result from laryngeal cancer. Edit: anyone, please, tell me if waiting is a bad idea, or should I go to the ER and not worry about the cost? level 1. Most likely a barium swallow and endoscopy will be done to see what's going on. Check out some pictures to know what to look out for and find out about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer in the lips, teeth, and gums. Weight loss In some cases, individuals experience pain in the chest. I just don't know what to do. Close. Trust your doctors! I am poor, so don't have extra money. Eat tolerable food (purées, pudding, soft food ect ect) drink plenty of fluids, take Advil for pain. Roughly 2,800,000 globally. Sort by. The most common symptoms of throat cancer are caused by the tumor placing pressure on other structures in the throat or mouth. I went through a throat cancer scare. Many symptoms associated with throat cancer, such as a sore throat or hoarseness, are the same as those that may accompany a cold. Throat cancer is a general term some people use to describe a cancer that starts in the throat. But you curbed those lifestyles. I have chest pain at times and my esophagus has thickened. HPV can cause pre-cancerous changes in cells that may lead to throat cancer later on. I just want to say thank you for the responses. 5 Throat Cancer Signs & Symptoms to Learn Before Treatment (self.adventisent) submitted just now by adventisent Most people think of throat cancer as a tumor (mass) in the neck. While in most cases these and other warning signs herald a cold or other benign condition, they also could be throat cancer symptoms. It also is, in general, a very rare form of cancer. Hiking, weightlifting, jogging, etc. save. I smoked for maybe 4 years when I was a teen, like an idiot, and I used smokeless tobacco for about 8 years and stopped entirely about a year ago all forms of tobacco. Effective treatment is possible in many cases. 344. There's also a possibility of a build up of mucus/secretions that has not been expelled completely. Your nurse will explain the type of cancer you have and the correct name. I say you treat the sore throat and get enough rest to promote healing. I have no problem with gaining weight if I put my mind to it! I really appreciate the thought out reply. In any case, DO go see your Dr for this nagging sore throat if you're concerned. I am freaking out. hide. Posted by 8 years ago. Press J to jump to the feed. Having a medical issue? Redditors with cancer, what were your symptoms that led to the diagnosis? I don't think chewing tobacco is associated with throat cancer. Learn about the different types, … Coughing can also indicate throat cancer. Put it like this; I was born with long gap oesophageal atresia (where the throat doesn’t join up). I attended a throat cancer support group meeting where the survivors of throat cancer described the extremely painful side effects of radiation therapy on the throat. A sore throat. I am terrified. It's not an emergency so why would you go to the Emergency room? This can include sore throat, then inflamed throat, and finally your throat locks up and you can’t even swallow your own spit without great pain. I'll be working on going up a weight class from 165lbs to 181lbs soon! Perhaps try looking these up and seeing if your symptoms match up with any of them, first. With these symptoms, I wonder if I may have larynx cancer. Do you think my dentist would be able to see far enough down to give the "okay" on that? I'm very sorry to anyone who has to deal with cancer, whether it be themselves who … I was just there and the dentist and they said everything looks fine. Better to err on the side of caution. The symptoms of LPR and laryngeal cancer overlap, but an ENT doctor compares these two conditions. It also is, in general, a very rare form of cancer. Over time, it can damage the wall of the oesophagus, causing a condition called Barrett’s Oesophagus. Statistics? You should be able to find statistics online, but it’s uncommon. My dentist looked down my throat using his tiny mirror. This section includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, the intersection of the throat, the windpipe (trachea), and the beginning of the food pipe. You would also probably have symptoms like difficulty swallowing and weight loss if you had full on throat cancer. Your life is not something to gamble with. Almost always happens to people who smoked for decades, and are advanced in age. If you’re younger, you’re chances are even less, if you don’t smoke or drink, less again. I don't know of pink eye causing throat problems, but I am not a medical professional. Learn what causes it, which symptoms to look for, and how it’s treated. It's very sad but it makes my anxiety go crazy over throat cancer fears. If a patient's symptoms are indicative of throat cancer a physician will order a procedure known as a laryngoscopy, Healthline stated. Do not worry about your doctor laughing at you, just set up an appointment and explain your symptoms and your concerns. I can't eat 'rough' foods, because of how badly it hurts to swallow. Oral sex does not directly cause throat cancer, but it can spread HPV. Another kind of throat cancer is tonsil cancer which affects the tonsils located at the back of the throat. As throat cancer grows and progresses, it can begin to affect your health in noticeable ways. Should I see my doctor again? It's also more common among older adults. Throat cancer symptom: Changes in your voice. You're right! In order to diagnose throat cancer, your doctor may recommend: 1. Throat cancer isn't in that subset. I have found a lot of relief in this sub. Using a scope to get a closer look at your throat. “Throat cancer” can actually mean more than one kind of cancer, and each affects a different place in your throat. Cough: Coughing is a very common phenomenon. A friend of mine has Barrett's actually so I am familiar with that condition as well. best. Post nasal drip can cause serious sore throat, sore throat causes you to not eat properly which causes weight loss. Cancer patients of reddit, what symptoms brought you to the doctor in the first place, leading to your diagnosis? All flaired medical professionals on this subreddit are verified by the mods. That does very much. Throat cancer is very (very) unusual in younger people. Report Save. Cancers that form on the vocal cords can often cause hoarseness or a change in the sound and pitch of your voice; luckily, these noticeable changes often lead to an earlier diagnosis and are one of the early throat cancer symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society.If the hoarseness doesn’t go away within two weeks, see a doctor. When did you stop smoking? The Signs and Symptoms. Or a faulty pharynx (the medical name for the throat) may cause swallowing difficulties that can affect your appetite. Throat cancer symptoms. report. Throat cancer is very (very) unusual in younger people. My tonsil stones set it off because I have one that is stuck and it makes my mind go bonkers. If you think your life is at risk, then go to the ER. Oral cancer affects thousands of … Difficulty swallowing: Some people may experience a burning … New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast . I feel like if I see my doctor, he'll laugh at me and just tell me to wait a week or two and see. Reassurance? Says it looks good despite getting tonsil stones. Throat cancer is often grouped into two categories: pharyngeal cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Learn about the symptoms of throat cancer, as well as risk factors, treatment, and outlook. This is what I'd tell myself to reassure myself: •the doctor said my throat looks fine •I already know two people with throat cancer so it's unlikely I'd become the third person I know to get it.•25 is still pretty young •no family history. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I am on medicare. I have a 1yo son. Because throat cancer can develop in different areas of the throat, the resulting symptoms also vary, as does their severity. A tiny camera at the end of the endoscope transmits images to a video screen that your doctor watches for signs of abnormalities in your throat.Another type of scope (laryngoscope) can be inserted in your voice box. 85% Upvoted. Make an appointment with a pcp, if you don't like yours see someone else, going out of network would probably still be cheaper than the ER. In its earliest stages, throat cancer typically shows no symptoms⁵. Ear pain 5. Do I go to an emergency room? I smoked for about 15 years, quit recently. I have no family history of cancer that I am aware of, bad heart disease however so I do exercise a lot. Thank you. This is not one of those issues. Symptoms of Throat Cancer: 1. Throat cancer symptoms typically vary from patient to patient.