Laryngeal cancer
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer
- Hoarse voice for longer than 4 weeks
- Change in the sound of your voice
- A lump in your throat or neck
- Problems breathing
- A persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad-smelling breath
- Weight loss
- Earache (rare)
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to go to your family doctor (GP) and get any unusual changes checked out. Cancer can be easier to treat and cure if it’s found early.
Can I be screened for laryngeal cancer?
Testing for laryngeal cancer when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no national laryngeal cancer screening programme in Ireland at present. If you are concerned about laryngeal cancer, especially if you are a heavy drinker, a smoker or an ex-smoker, talk to your GP. It is important to be descriptive about your symptoms - saying how long you have had them, describing the pain and what aggravates it.
Continue reading about laryngeal cancer
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