KEY POINTS

  • Throat cancer is not among the most common types of cancer 
  • Common symptoms may appear on the throat like lumps forming or pain when swallowing
  • There is one symptom, however, that is not directly related to the throat, which you must be aware of

Throat cancer is a bit rare when compared to other forms of cancer. Recently, however, the numbers of those diagnosed with this type of cancer are gradually increasing.

The throat appears like a muscular tube that starts behind your nose and ends in your neck. Throat cancer usually starts in the flat cells that are found within the throat. This type of cancer can affect a portion of cartilage that functions as a lid for your windpipe.

Tonsil cancer, a different type of throat cancer, affects your tonsils found at the back of your throat. When cells in your throat undergo genetic mutations, the result is throat cancer. Such mutations cause the cells to grow without control and continue thriving while healthy cells die. The cell buildup then forms a tumor inside the throat.

An Odd Symptom

Some of the most common symptoms of throat cancer include changes in your voice, like suddenly speaking inaudibly or becoming hoarse. A sore or lump that does not heal, as well as having difficulty in swallowing and experiencing sudden weight loss are also common throat cancer symptoms.

There is a strange warning sign, however, that could occur well outside the area of the throat. Your ear could exhibit some odd symptoms which are caused by throat cancer.

throat cancer symptoms
throat cancer symptoms smailies - Pixabay

If your hearing prowess declines or you experience a persistent earache, it could indicate the development of throat cancer. You may also notice your neck’s lymph nodes become swollen.

Earache

Earache could also occur to both of your ears, but in most cases, it may also happen to only one ear. The pain may come and go or become persistent, feeling like sharp, burning, or dull sting.

According to Richmond ENT, if you are an adult suffering from a strange earache that lasted more than two weeks, you need to seek an immediate appointment with a doctor. The physician must be an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and such medical professionals should be able to perform an evaluation of your condition.

Since cancers that form at the back of your throat are easily hidden behind your tongue, palate, or tonsils, regular physicians or dentists may not be able to see them. The pain you feel in your ear actually originated from the throat with the nerve transmitting this pain to your ears. In essence, it is your throat having pain but only felt in the ears.