More Than a Sore Throat: Spotting the Signs of Throat Canc

Often, a sore throat is just a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. If, however, it does not go away or occurs with other symptoms, it could be an indicator of throat cancer, an umbrella term encompassing several types of head and neck cancers. If you are experiencing unusual throat symptoms with no known cause, which could be signs of throat cancer, it’s important to talk to your primary care provider.

Types of Throat Cancer

Learning about the different types of throat cancer can help you understand the signs. Throat cancers include pharyngeal cancer, which affects the pharynx — the tube between the nasal cavity and the esophagus — and laryngeal cancer, which occurs in the voice box.

Medical providers further categorize pharyngeal cancer according to the part of the pharynx in which it starts.

• Hypopharyngeal cancer arises in the lower pharynx.
• Nasopharyngeal cancer affects the top part of the pharynx behind the nose.
• Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the middle pharynx, such as the back of the mouth.

Another type of throat cancer, glottic cancer, affects the vocal cords. Still other types of throat cancer begin in different parts of the voice box.

What Factors Can Increase Your Risk?

A variety of factors can increase your risk of developing throat cancer. Two of the most significant risk factors are using tobacco, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, and drinking alcohol. Many cases of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers develop due to alcohol or tobacco use.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause several types of cancer, including cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. HPV may be responsible for 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Signs of Throat Cancer

A sore throat that does not get better may be one of the first signs of cancer’s presence. Other symptoms of throat cancer include:

• difficulty swallowing
• hoarse voice or difficulty speaking
• lump in the neck
• pain in the neck or ears
• ringing in the ears
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss

If you experience head and neck symptoms, especially if they do not go away, tell your primary care provider. They may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician for a more specialized diagnostic workup and treatment.

Wide Range of Treatment Options

If you need treatment for throat cancer, your personalized plan will depend on several factors. These include the type of cancer, whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body — imaging tests, such as a PET scan, can help find areas of spread — and your overall health.

Fortunately, many treatments are available for throat cancers. These treatments include longstanding options, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and more recent innovations, such as targeted therapy. This form of treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells by attacking the substances that help them grow and spread.

If you notice potential signs of throat cancer, do not shrug them off. Seek medical help to find out what is causing them. If you do have cancer, finding it early can give you a better chance of successful treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Cancer

You don't need to know what's causing your symptoms to reach out for help. If something feels "off" in your throat and it isn't getting better, it's important to get it checked. Early care can make a big difference. 

You should seek medical attention if you notice:

• A sore throat that doesn't go away after two weeks
• Trouble swallowing or the feeling that food is getting stuck
• A persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up blood
• A lump in your neck that's growing or not going away
• Hoarseness or voice changes that last longer than two weeks
• Ongoing ear pain on one side without a clear reason
• Unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue

If any of these symptoms are new, worsening, or lasting longer than you expect, it's a good time to schedule an appointment. You deserve answers and getting checked early can give you peace of mind and a clearer path forward. 

What Causes Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer can develop when cells in the throat grow and change in ways they shouldn't. This often happens slowly over time, and many people don't notice early changes. While anyone can develop throat cancer, certain factors can increase the chances. 

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco
• Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
• Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection linked with some throat cancers
• Long-term exposure to irritants, such as chemicals or poor air quality
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Chronic acid reflux, which can cause ongoing throat irritation
• Older age, especially over 50

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Getting answers starts with a simple conversation. A doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, how long they've been happening, and how they're affecting your daily life. From there, they may use a few tools to see more clearly what's going on. 

 Diagnosis may include:

• A physical exam, where your doctor looks at your throat, mouth, and neck
• A flexible scope exam (laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy to view the throat using a thin, lighted tube
• Imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, PET, or X-ray, to look for unusual areas
• A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken and checked under a microscope

These steps help your care team understand what's causing your symptoms and what treatment, if any, you may need. The goal is straightforward: give you clear answers and a plan that helps you feel more in control. 

How Can You Prevent Throat Cancer?

While not all cases of throat cancer can be prevented, there are practical steps that can lower your risk. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time. 

Ways to help protect your throat health include:

• Avoid tobacco products: Quitting smoking - or never starting - is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. 
• Limit alcohol use: Drinking less can help protect the delicate tissues in your throat.
• Protect yourself from HPV: The HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of certain throat cancers linked to the virus.
• Eat a balanced diet: Fruits, vegetables, and whole foods support overall health and may help lower cancer risk.
• Manage chronic acid reflux: Treating reflux can prevent ongoing throat
• Use protective gear: If you work around dust, fumes, or harsh chemicals. 
• Prioritize regular checkups: Early conversations with your doctor can catch issues sooner. 

No single step guarantees prevention, but caring for your throat and your overall health can help you stay ahead of problems and feel more confident about your well-being.