Throat Cancer

Finding out you have a tumor is scary. You may wonder what effect it will have on your life. As you and your healthcare providers decide on your treatment, make sure to address your concerns . And moving forward, your healthcare team can help you learn ways to help yourself.

What is a tumor?

A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. It is either slow growing and not cancer (benign) or fast growing and cancer (malignant). Some tumors, especially cancerous ones, can be life-threatening. But most tumors can be treated.

Who is at risk for a cancerous tumor?

You are more likely to get a tumor of the mouth or throat if you:

• Smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars
• Use chewing tobacco or snuff
• Drink alcohol
• Take poor care of your teeth
• Are exposed to certain industrial chemicals
• Had a mouth or throat tumor in the past
• Have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Symptoms of a tumor in the throat

If you have a throat tumor, you or your healthcare provider may have noticed one or more of the following:

• Hoarseness that doesn’t go away
• Trouble swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• Pain that doesn’t go away
• Aching, pain, or pressure in your ear
• Persistent coughing with or without bloody sputum