1 day Ago By Fiona Callingham
An oncologist has issued a stark warning that a seemingly "common" minor symptom might actually be an ominous indicator of a lethal cancer . The medical specialist emphasized the importance of seeking professional advice if this particular symptom persists and "won't go away". A sore throat is a fairly typical ailment experienced occasionally by many individuals, often associated with seasonal illnesses like colds or the flu.
However, while such a symptom is generally not cause for alarm, a sore throat that lingers for more than three weeks warrants further examination. This prolonged discomfort could signal tonsil cancer, a variant of oral malignancy. Lung cancer tumors discovered to grow and 'feed' off a typical diet Very early Alzheimer's and Parkinson's sign that can happen 'decades before' The Mouth Cancer Foundation's data reveals that last year in the UK, over 10,000 cases of mouth cancer were diagnosed.
Tonsil cancer accounted for nearly a quarter of these oral cancer diagnoses. Tonsil cancer symptoms encompass pain and difficulty when swallowing, a raspy voice, and earache. Dr.
Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist at the Proton Therapy Centre, pointed out that a stubborn sore throat that refuses to subside might also indicate this illness. "It's really important to get anything unusual that has been lingering for more than three weeks checked out," he advised. "Sore throats are very common and can be down to a number of illnesses, but if yours is lingering and doesn't improve or gets worse, a doctor will be able to examine you and refer you for further tests if necessary.
"Tonsil cancer is rare but if it is cancer, early detection of the disease is so important in improving outcomes." Tonsil cancer is a specific type of head and neck cancer that impacts the two glands located at the back of the throat. Additional symptoms of this disease can include a painless lump in the neck.
Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can heighten risk. The disease can also be triggered by an infection with a virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). If you exhibit any symptoms and your doctor suspects it could be cancer, they will want to conduct an examination.
Cancer Research UK states that this may involve inspecting the back of your throat using a small mirror inserted into your mouth. They will also check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck. The only definitive way to diagnose cancer is to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from the abnormal area.
They can also test your cancer cells for HPV infection. Potential treatment options for tonsil cancer could include Surgery Radiotherapy Chemotherapy Chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) Targeted and immunotherapy drugs. If you notice any symptoms of tonsil cancer, it's crucial to consult with your doctor.
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