Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Executive Summary

The signs and symptoms of the laryngeal or hypopharyngeal region experienced by the individuals help describe the condition effectively. The most common symptoms of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers include voice becoming hoarse or other vocal changes that do not go away within two weeks, presence of a lump or bump in the neck region, presence of an enlarged lymph node, obstruction in the airway causing difficulty breathing and noisy breathing, persistent feeling of a lump in the throat or the presence of a sore throat constantly, swallowing difficulties, bad breath, pain in the ear, choking feeling, losing weight without any particular reason, and fatigue or tiredness.

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

The following symptoms or indicators may be experienced by laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma ^​1​. A symptom, such as weariness, nausea, or discomfort, only the person experiencing it can identify and explain. Signs and symptoms, when combined, can assist describe a medical condition and people with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer may or may not exhibit any of the signs and symptoms listed below ^​2​. A medical illness other than cancer could cause a symptom or indication.

• Voice becoming hoarse or other vocal changes that do not go away within two weeks is an early symptom.
• In addition to the presence of a lump or bump in the neck region
• Presence of an enlarged lymph node 
• obstruction in the airway causing difficulty breathing and noisy breathing 
• persistent feeling of a lump in the throat or the presence of a sore throat constantly.
• Swallowing difficulties that that does not go away
• pain in the ear
• bad breath
• Choking feeling
• Losing weight without any particular reason
• Fatigue/tiredness

Things to do

Please consult a doctor if you are concerned about any changes you are experiencing, especially if they do not go away or worsen. Your doctor will also inquire about how long and how frequently you have been experiencing the symptom(s).

These symptoms are due to health conditions other than cancer. It is always good to have regular health and dental tests, especially if you consume alcohol regularly or have used tobacco products in the past.

When discovered, relieving symptoms is a critical element of cancer care and treatment. And this is called “palliative care” or “supporting care.” It is frequently initiated soon after a diagnosis and continued throughout treatment. When diagnosed early, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors can often be successfully treated while preserving laryngeal and hypopharyngeal function.

References