Symptoms of throat cancer: Nagging throat ache and difficulty swallowing are early red flags

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer: One of the first symptoms of throat cancer is voice change that doesn’t resolve in two weeks. If you’re over 40, and especially if you smoke or drink regularly, this must not be ignored (Image: Pexels)

A sore throat may often be dismissed as a passing irritation. It can be blamed on the weather allergies or maybe that extra cup of cold coffee. However, if a sore throat continues for weeks, it might be something serious.

According to oncologists, persistent hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing or a nagging throat ache could be early signs of throat or laryngeal cancer. Dr Akshat Malik, principal, Consultant, surgical oncology, head and neck, Max Hospital, Saket, reveals that many patients often come very late, ignoring the symptoms. Laryngeal cancer, he says, affects the voice box while throat cancer may involve the pharynx or other nearby structures. “One of the first red flags is a voice change that doesn’t resolve in two weeks. If you’re over 40, and especially if you smoke or drink regularly, this must not be ignored,” he warns.

Other warning signs include a lump in the neck, pain while swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chronic earaches, or a persistent cough. “These are not symptoms to sleep on,” Dr Malik cautions. He adds, “Treatment at an early stage can often be done with minimally invasive surgery or targeted radiation, preserving one’s ability to speak and swallow.”

Also read | Causes, symptoms and treatment for throat cancer: Stay away from smoking and chewing tobacco

But once the disease progresses, surgery can become more aggressive, sometimes requiring removal of the voice box, which can be a life-altering procedure.

5 early symptoms and prevention tips

• A voice change that doesn’t go away: Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks is one of the earliest and most common signs.

• Painful or difficult swallowing: If swallowing feels strained or painful over time, especially with weight loss, get it examined.

• Lump in the neck: A swelling or lump in the neck could signal lymph node involvement and should be checked.

• Persistent cough or earache: Chronic coughing or unexplained ear pain, especially on one side, may indicate throat involvement.

• Know your risk: Tobacco (including gutkha), alcohol, and age over 40 significantly increase your chances. “A sore throat doesn’t usually scare people. But when it lingers, especially with risk factors, we need to think beyond the common cold. Early diagnosis not only saves lives, it can save your voice,” says Dr Malik.