Throat Cancer Symptoms: Causes, Signs & When to See a Doctor

Throat cancer often occurs in the larynx, pharynx and esophagus, and it usually affects a person's ability to swallow, breathe or speak. However, other conditions can cause symptoms similar to throat cancer. See a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis.

Hoarseness

• Hoarseness can indicate vocal cord or laryngeal cancer. Coughing, noisy or difficulty breathing, and the appearance of blood in phlegm may accompany hoarseness.

Swallowing

• Growing tumors can block your esophagus, making swallowing difficult. If hard foods become difficult to swallow and soft foods become progressively harder to swallow, or if food catches in your throat, see a doctor.

Lumps

• See a doctor if you find a lump on your neck or throat which continues to grow, is hard, and measures at least half an inch in diameter.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms can include a sore throat for longer than two weeks, changes in speech quality, unplanned weight loss, sinus infections that do not go away, and pain behind your sternum or in your ear.

Warnings

• See a doctor if symptoms persist longer than two weeks, worsen over time, or occur along one side of your body.