We all know that in many cases the onset of early cancer symptoms is absent, so it is primary to know how to recognize the symptoms, no matter how subtle. Experts warn that a disease has a surprising symptom that can help doctors detect cancer at an early stage, and it occurs when you talk.

If you have hoarseness, see a doctor

When you have a cold, hoarseness can be one of the symptoms, but experts warn that if the symptoms do not go away, it is important to see a doctor to find out the real cause - especially in some situations when that change can mean you have cancer.
"Throat cancer that forms on the vocal cords often causes hoarseness or changes in the voice. If you take the symptom seriously, the cancer can be detected at an early stage. "Doctors have said that if the hoarseness does not go away after two weeks, see a specialist right away," reads the website of the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Some other cancers may be associated with this symptom

At first, the changes in the voice will be noticed when it comes to cancer that develops on the vocal cords, but also the one that develops in the surrounding areas can cause changes and even the appearance of the same symptom.
Such cancers are often not detected until they have spread to the lymph nodes and swelling of the neck has been reported. "Cancer that initially develops in the area of ​​the larynx or above the vocal cords, as well as below them, does not have to cause changes in the voice, so they are often detected at a later stage," said the Cancer Society.

The occurrence of neck and head cancer is often associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits

In most cases, head and neck cancer will be categorized as squamous cell carcinoma. Experts from the Cleveland Clinic believe that 3 out of 4 neck and head cancers are caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or cigarettes, and in both cases they destroy the cells of the mucous membrane of the throat and oral cavity. The more and longer you use these substances, the greater the risk that you will develop head and throat cancer.
If you have this problem, your doctor may suggest different tests, such as a biopsy, to find out the cause. Of course, the sooner you see a doctor, the better the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment because the disease detected at an early stage responds much better to treatment. Therefore, if you notice changes in the form of hoarseness that do not go away, do not ignore them and make an appointment with a doctor.

What is throat cancer?

Cancer of the throat (laryngeal cancer) is a malignant tumor that occurs when malignant tumor cells appear in the tissue of the throat and begin to develop, which begins to destroy that same tissue.
The term throat is a broader term for the lower part of the airway-digestive tract that makes up the pharynx (throat) and larynx. In the larynx are the vocal cords that vibrate under the influence of air currents from the lungs, which leads to the formation of the voice. Thus the voice created in the pharynx, mouth and nose is shaped (articulation and resonance), which leads to the creation of a person's own, final and recognizable speech.

What are the causes of throat cancer?

Research to date has unequivocally proven that the risk of developing throat cancer increases significantly due to:
- smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption (especially dangerous is the combined action of these two risk factors)
- improper diet (foods poor in protein, vitamins and minerals)
- reduced resistance of the organism and weakened immune system, exposure to harmful chemicals and substances (paints, varnishes, dust, smoke)
- gastroesophageal reflux

How often does throat cancer occur and in whom?

Men are almost twice as likely to get throat cancer. Most often these are middle-aged and older patients (between 50 and 70 years). In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of throat cancer in women and younger people.

What are the most common signs of throat cancer?

The most common symptoms (signs) of the disease are:
- hoarseness and / or changes in the volume and color of the voice (in live carcinoma of the voice a very early sign of the disease)
- difficult and / or painful swallowing, feeling of a foreign body in the throat
- swelling (nodule) of the neck
- shortness of breath
- unpleasant (stinking) breath from the mouth
- weight loss for a short period of time.

It is important to keep reiterating that successful cancer treatment begins with early diagnosis.