precancerous conditions.
Leukoplakia is the word used to describe flat white or gray patches in your mouth or throat.
Erythroplakia describes a slightly raised or red flat patch. Erythroleukoplakia describes patches that are both red and white.
3. Difficulty swallowing/sore throat
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sore throat (pharyngitis) that doesn’t go away can indicate cancer.
According to Johns Hopkins, you may feel as though your food is stuck in your chest or have increased pain when swallowing.
4. Hoarseness
Laryngeal cancer (the area of the throat that contains the vocal cords) can cause hoarseness or changes in your voice. See your medical provider for hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks.
5. Neck mass
Typically, oropharyngeal cancers are asymptomatic. A lump in the neck is one of the first signs of throat cancer and should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Less common signs of cancer
- Ear pain
- Noisy breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
- Loose teeth