Early warning signs of nasopharyngeal cancer are easily overlooked

Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the tissues of the pharynx, including the pharynx, larynx and nearby structures. Although not as common as some other types of cancer, throat cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early. The biggest challenge of the disease is that the initial symptoms are often similar to common health problems such as colds, infections or gastric reflux, making it easy for patients to be subjective and ignore.

Early recognition, timely screening and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly increase survival rates and reduce the risk of later complications.

Prolonged voice changes

Voice changes are one of the most noticeable signs, especially when cancer affects the larynx (voice box). Hoarseness that lasts more than 2-3 weeks and does not improve despite rest or medication should be given special attention. Over time, nasopharyngeal cancer can cause changes in pronunciation, a nasal voice, a lisp, or changes in the resonance of the voice. These changes often progress gradually and sometimes the patient does not realize it.

In the late stages, some people may even lose their voice completely. Voice problems are often mistaken for the flu or talking too much, so any persistent changes require early medical attention.

Difficulty swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is an important warning sign of nasopharyngeal cancer. Initially, the patient may only feel food stuck in the throat or chest, which then progresses to pain when swallowing. At first, difficulty swallowing often occurs with solid foods, but as the disease progresses, swallowing liquid foods also becomes difficult. This can lead to choking, fear of eating, and unintentional weight loss.

Persistent sore throat that does not heal

Unlike a sore throat caused by a common infection, a sore throat caused by cancer usually lasts longer and gets worse. The pain may increase when speaking, eating or swallowing, sometimes localized to only one side of the throat. A sore throat that does not respond to antibiotics, lozenges or conventional treatments, especially if it lasts for many weeks, needs to be examined carefully.

Earache and cervical lymphadenopathy

Earaches that do not originate from an ear infection are sometimes a sign of throat cancer, because the tumor stimulates nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates to the ear area. Additionally, lymph nodes or tumors in the neck may appear when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. These masses are usually hard, painless and gradually enlarge, unlike inflamed lymph nodes caused by infection, which often collapse after treatment. People with prolonged ear pain or unusual tumors or lymph nodes in the neck need to see a doctor soon.

Difficulty breathing, prolonged cough

As the cancer progresses, the tumor can compress the airways, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing or wheezing. Some people have a chronic, unrelenting cough, or even cough up blood. These symptoms greatly affect daily activities and sleep.

Unexplained weight loss, fatigue

Sudden, unintentional weight loss is a common sign of many types of cancer, including throat cancer. The body spends a lot of energy to fight the disease, leading to rapid weight loss and loss of muscle mass, especially when the patient has difficulty eating due to pain or difficulty swallowing.

Persistent fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion that does not improve even with rest, is also a common symptom. People with unknown weight loss or fatigue need special attention.

Prolonged bad breath

Chronic bad breath is an easily overlooked symptom. Tumors in the throat can cause tissue necrosis, infection, salivation disorders and difficulty swallowing, thereby creating an unpleasant odor. Unlike bad breath caused by food, smoking or poor oral hygiene, cancer-related bad breath does not improve even if you brush your teeth or use mouthwash.