Worried about throat cancer

Posted , 5 users are following.

I was having ongoing stomach issues and feeling concerned about stomach cancer. I read somewhere a woman describing her father's experience with stomach cancer, she said he developed a hoarse voice. After that I began to analyse my voice, wondering if it was sounding normal or a bit hoarse (I have a naturally somewhat hoarse voice, so I wasn't sure). Then I began to look at my throat and thought it looked bumpy and strange. And realised that I have been having ear pain and a mild sore throat. So I went to see the doctor about a month ago, who checked my ears and throat and said everything looks fine. That didn't reassure me, if anything made the anxiety worse because I didn't have an explanation for these symptoms.

Now over the last week or so, I've been noticing a strange clicking sensation sometimes when I swallow, a lump in the throat feeling, ear pain becoming much worse, a rattling noise when I clear my throat?? And I've just woken up in the middle of the night with my throat feeling very painful! It hurts to swallow, but I don't have a fever or anything to suggest an infection. I'm starting to panic.

I am 31 years old. I have never smoked. I drink socially, although have recently been tee total because of my stomach issues (most likely gastritis, having an endoscopy soon). Has anyone experienced similar symptoms and/or fears?? Feeling very alone

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

     I’m sorry you’re feeling so frightened. However I think you may be overthinking things.  You don’t have to have a fever to have a viral infection. Also, allergies can cause symptoms like yours.  I never heard of stomach cancer causing a hoarse  voice.  That person’s hoarse voice may have nothing to do with his stomach cancer. Be careful what you read online because it may not be accurate . 

     listen to your doctor because he or she is the one with the experience and knowledge. You will know for sure what’s going on after the endoscopy. I had one and was diagnosed with gastritis which is very common. Much more common than stomach cancer so try to relax I think you’re going to be just fine! 🌸🌸🌸😁

    • Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I think that man's stomach cancer has spread to his oesophagus/throat, causing the hoarseness.

      The strange thing is my stomach issues have really diminished since becoming fixated on my throat concerns.

  • Posted

     I meant to say if you are  not a smoker, the odds of you having throat cancer are extremely slim. People who smoke for many years can get the hoarse voice and cancer but you are very low risk.
  • Posted

    Stress makes everything worse on us! So that could be why you're so symptomatic. Try to stay calm and distract yourself until you get your tests done and finally get some answers that hopefully ease your worries (:

  • Posted

    Hazel

    As described, all the problems you have been having are normal and you have nothing to worry about. The attitude of your GP sounds normal especially if He is busy, some Doctors seem to be on the meter. Some are abrupt when busy.

    You are having a further test soon wait and see how you get on.

    What you can do is when you check in at the Reception, you can ask for a copy of your GP letter, you only now only ask once and every time you visit hospital they will keep sending copies of your results. When you get your copy you will have a good idea when the GP gets His. Make an appointment to attend surgery and take your copy with you so you can discuss any findings together

    BOB

  • Posted

    Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.

    As it turns out, I've been feeling progressively worse throughout the day - fever has shot up, body aches and this continued painful throat. I'm beginning to think that I have strep throat or something of that nature. It hasn't complerely alleviated my fears as the other throat issues/ear pain has been going on for weeks. But for now, I just need to deal with this infection

    • Posted

      Hazel

      There is a nasty bug knocking about in the UK at this time, My Wife Hazel has been bad with it for over three weeks. We were taking a holiday at the time and has not stopped coughing since then.

      If you are concerned talk to your GP. All I can really suggest when it comes down to  your health concerns.

      BOB

  • Posted

    I went to the doctor's today. Apparently I have tonsillitis.

    • Posted

      Hazel

      Pleased you have a diagnosis, Has He given anything too help.

      Are they going to remove them or just let the inflammation  reduce itself over time ?

      Good luck, You get  well soon

      BOB

    • Posted

      I've got that too, but unfortunately mine seems to be viral. Hopefully yours is strep and they can get you some penicillin or similar and get rid of it. biggrin

    • Posted

      He's given me a 10 day course of penicillin. The ironic thing is that I had my tonsils removed when I was a child. Apparently tonsil tissue remnants can grow back, and this is what has happened in my case.

    • Posted

      I'm so sorry that you are suffering too. Tonsillitis is so painful!

    • Posted

      Hazel

      Yes they say they can return. I used to get this problem quite regular when at school, my GP would not let them be removed, so I used to get fourteen days of once or twice a year. Now as a Pensioner I still have them. there are no problems thank goodness

      Good luck, get well soon

      BOB

  • Posted

    So, today is the day of my endoscopy. I'm feeling quite anxious about it. I'm worried about what they may find. My stomach began hurting again yesterday after many weeks with it seeming to be fine. I'm also feeling anxious about the procedure itself. I'm going to be sedated, and I really hope that I will have no awareness of what is going on.

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