Introduction
Patients with throat cancer experience different symptoms, wherein some are pronounced and can be easily observed, whereas some are silent. Identifying different throat cancer symptoms and promptly seeing a doctor for a proper evaluation is the key to timely diagnosis and treatment of throat cancer.
Do Throat Cancer Symptoms Change with Stage?
Throat cancer is a collective term given to the cancers of the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and tonsils. The symptoms of throat cancer may vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, the disease is localized to the organ; hence, the symptoms are subtle and not severe. As the disease progresses, the disease starts spreading to nearby and distant organs. As this happens, the symptoms become more apparent and severe.
Different Stages of Throat Cancer and Symptoms Observed
Throat cancer is categorized into 4 stages depending on the extent of the disease’s spread. The different stages and the possible symptoms during those stages are listed below:
Stage 1: In stage 1, the disease is localized to the organ, and the tumor size is not more than 2 cm.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Throat Cancer:
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
Stage 2: During this stage, the tumor size is anywhere between 2-4 cm, but the disease is still localized to the organ.
Symptoms of Stage 2 Throat Cancer:
- Aggravated stage 1 symptoms
- The presence of a lump in the neck region
- Shortness of breath
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Persistent cough
- Unintended weight loss
Stage 3: In stage 3, the throat cancer may have spread to the nearby tissues; it may have also spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The tumor size is more than 4 cm.
Symptoms of Stage 3 Throat Cancer:
- Aggravated stage 1 and stage 2 symptoms
- Pain while swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing up blood
- Facial numbness
Stage 4: Stage 4 refers to the advanced stage of throat cancer, wherein the disease has spread to nearby and distant organs. At this stage, systemic treatments are recommended as the disease has spread throughout the body.
Symptoms of Stage 4 Throat Cancer:
- Extreme pain in the mouth, ears, and throat
- Inability to fully upon the mouth
- Extreme weight loss
- Various organ-specific symptoms depending on the organs to which the disease has spread
What Should You Do When You Experience Throat Cancer Symptoms?
A good number of the symptoms discussed above can be caused by various non-malignant conditions as well. Therefore, it is important not to panic. When you experience any symptom for more than two weeks and it does not get better with medications, consider seeing an ENT specialist. Explain your concerns to them and consult an oncologist if necessary. For a confirmed diagnosis, you may be asked to undergo various tests, such as physical examinations, scans, biopsy, and more.
Based on the diagnosis made, appropriate treatment interventions will be recommended.
Bottom Note
Based on the extent of the disease’s spread, throat cancer can present with different symptoms at different stages. Identifying them and getting them evaluated by a specialist is the key to timely diagnosis and treatment of throat cancer.