What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

Symptoms can arise in the throat, voice box, or nearby tissues. A sore throat or hoarse voice can also follow infection, reflux, allergy, or voice strain, so a symptom alone cannot diagnose cancer. A tumour may make swallowing uncomfortable, change the voice, cause a visible or felt neck swelling, or produce pain referred to an ear. Some people have few symptoms early on. HPV infection is one factor clinicians may consider when assessing certain throat cancers.

Arrange an appointment if a throat symptom persists, returns repeatedly, or is changing. A clinician may examine your mouth, throat and neck, ask about smoking, alcohol, reflux and infections, and arrange tests such as a camera examination or imaging when appropriate. Keep a brief record of when the symptom began, what worsens it, and any voice or swallowing changes. Do not wait for pain before seeking an assessment.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, rapidly increasing neck swelling, coughing or vomiting blood, or severe symptoms that develop quickly. These warning signs need prompt assessment because the airway or ability to take in fluids may be affected.

Ask what conditions could explain your symptoms, whether your throat and neck need a specialist examination, which tests may be useful, and how to manage eating, drinking or voice changes while you wait.