All about throat tumour: Causes, symptoms and prevention strategies

Symptoms of throat tumour: Persistent hoarseness or changes in the voice lasting more than a couple of weeks. (Image: Canva)

England cricketing great Sir Geoffrey Boycott has undergone a successful surgery to remove a tumour from his throat, his daughter Emma said. "Just to let everyone know my father, Geoffrey, has successfully come out of surgery this evening after a 3-hour operation to remove his throat cancer. Yet to see him but surgeon says it went well. He asked that I post an update," Boycott's daughter Emma tweeted from the cricketer's account on Wednesday.

A throat tumour, which can develop in various parts of the throat including the pharynx, larynx, or the tonsils, can be either benign or malignant (throat cancer).

Understanding the signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies is crucial for early detection and effective management, says Dr Ashwini Sharma from Vinayak Hospital, Gandhi Nagar.

Throat cancer can develop due to several risk factors and causes, which can be categorised into lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and biological factors. Here are the primary causes of throat cancer.

Tobacco use

Smoking: Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are the leading cause of throat cancer. The harmful chemicals in tobacco damage the cells lining the throat.

Chewing tobacco: Smokeless tobacco products also significantly increase the risk of developing throat cancer.

Alcohol consumption

Heavy drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly can irritate the cells in the throat and increase the risk of cancer, especially when combined with smoking.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infection: Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, are associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact.

Poor nutrition

Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and antioxidants, increasing cancer risk.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic acid reflux: GERD can cause chronic irritation and inflammation of the throat lining, which may lead to cancer over time.

Exposure to chemicals and pollutants

Asbestos: Occupational exposure to asbestos fibers is a known risk factor for various cancers, including throat cancer.

Other carcinogens: Exposure to chemicals such as sulfuric acid, nickel, and certain wood dusts can increase the risk.

Age and gender

Age: Throat cancer is more common in people over the age of 40.

Gender: Men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women, possibly due to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among men.

Family history and genetics

Genetic predisposition: A family history of cancer can increase the risk of throat cancer, although this is less significant compared to lifestyle factors.

Weakened immune system

Immune suppression: Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system can increase susceptibility to infections and cancers, including throat cancer.

Poor oral hygiene

Dental health: Chronic infections and poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of throat cancer.

Plummer-vinson syndrome

Iron deficiency anemia: This rare condition, which includes symptoms like difficulty swallowing and esophageal webs, can increase the risk of throat cancer.

Signs and symptoms of throat tumour

Persistent sore throat: A sore throat that doesn’t go away with treatment.

Hoarseness or change in voice: Persistent hoarseness or changes in the voice lasting more than a couple of weeks.

Difficulty swallowing: Feeling of food sticking in the throat or difficulty swallowing.

Chronic cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or a cough that produces blood.

Ear pain: Persistent ear pain, particularly on one side, without any ear infection.

Lump or mass in the neck: Swelling or a lump in the neck that doesn’t go away.

Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer.

Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath or noisy breathing.

Bad breath: Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene.

Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or fatigue without a clear cause.

Prevention strategies

Avoid tobacco use: Smoking and using smokeless tobacco are major risk factors for throat tumors. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can significantly reduce the risk.

Limit alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of throat cancer. Limiting alcohol intake can help in prevention.

Maintain good oral hygiene: Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infections that may lead to throat tumors.

Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that may reduce cancer risk.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the throat moist and can reduce irritation.

Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals: Limiting exposure to toxic chemicals, such as asbestos and certain industrial pollutants, can reduce the risk.

Vaccination: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to throat cancers. Vaccination against HPV can lower the risk.

Regular health check-ups: Routine medical check-ups and early screening for those at higher risk can lead to early detection and better outcomes.

Avoid spicy and irritating foods: Foods that can cause irritation should be avoided to prevent chronic inflammation of the throat.

Manage acid reflux: Controlling acid reflux through diet and medication can prevent damage to the throat lining.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the above symptoms persistently or notice any unusual changes, it's essential to consult a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for throat tumors.