The determining and most significant role in the therapy of any malignant tumors is the timeliness of the diagnosis. There is no exception and throat cancer - the first symptoms found early in the progression and growth of the tumor, allow to increase the patient's chances of survival for at least 5-7 years. And in some situations, early detection of pathology provides even a complete cure.
The first symptoms of throat cancer and larynx in women
In 80% of cases of cancer of the organ under consideration, the onset of the disease remains unnoticed. This is due to the fact that the tumor still has negligible dimensions, so it is rarely determined visually even by an experienced otolaryngologist.
Moreover, the symptoms of the first stage of the throat cancer are non-specific and resemble less dangerous and easily treatable diseases. Characteristic early clinical manifestations of the tumor:
- weak periodic pain in the throat;
- difficulty in swallowing, especially dry and solid food;
- hoarseness of voice;
- swelling of the neck around the lymph nodes.
These signs are often written off for viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions .
Symptoms and early signs of throat cancer in later stages
Progressing malignant tumor of the pharynx or larynx is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture:
- cutting pain in the throat;
- severe weight loss ;
- lack of appetite;
- chronic dry or low-productive cough;
- ear pain;
- coughing attacks due to ingestion of food and drinks into the trachea;
- hoarseness;
- noisy breathing and exhalation.
In the late stages of growth, the neoplasm greatly increases in size, which causes a sensation of a large foreign body in the throat, aphonia (lack of voice), difficulty in swallowing food and breathing. In the presence of metastases in neighboring organs and tissues, bleeding often occurs.