Sore throats may not be a small matter - Could it be cancer?

As the weather turns cooler, many people experience an occasional cough or minor throat discomfort. However, this symptom should never be taken lightly. A doctor recently shared a case in which a patient sought medical help for a sore throat and was subsequently diagnosed with four types of cancer: tongue cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and colon cancer. The primary cause was linked to three harmful habits.

Elderly Man Discovers Four Cancers After Seeking Treatment for Sore Throat

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Hong Kong, accounting for approximately 26.2% of fatalities in 2023. Recently, otolaryngologist Dr. Chan Leung-yu shared a case on his personal Facebook page. An elderly man visited the doctor due to a sore throat, and after a series of detailed examinations, he was simultaneously diagnosed with four cancers: tongue, thyroid, kidney, and colon cancer. Chan noted that the patient appeared healthy, exercised regularly, and seemed physically fit. However, he had three long-standing harmful habits:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Chewing betel nut

Chan suggested that tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut are major triggers for various cancers. Therefore, these habits likely contributed to the development of multiple cancers in this patient. Fortunately, with active treatment, the man has since recovered. Chan emphasized that the cumulative damage from smoking and drinking should never be underestimated. If you experience persistent discomfort in the throat or neck, do not ignore it. Early detection and treatment are key.

Complete Guide to Tongue and Thyroid Cancer Symptoms – Hoarseness/Neck Lumps to Watch For

Persistent sore throat could be a symptom of tongue cancer (oral cancer) or thyroid cancer. According to Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority, tongue and thyroid cancers commonly present with the following symptoms:

According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, tongue cancer is a type of oral cancer. Oral cancer can spread and become life-threatening. Long-term smoking, tobacco chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, or betel nut chewing may lead to oral tumors. Therefore, if any abnormalities are noticed in oral tissues, immediate consultation with a doctor or dentist for detailed examination and appropriate treatment is essential. Oral cancer patients may experience the following five major symptoms:

1. Persistent ulcers that do not heal, with surface tissue necrosis spreading outward, forming a depressed or uneven lump.
2. Oral pain, often accompanied by unexplained or easy bleeding.
3. Sudden localized numbness in the face.
4. Unexplained swelling of the jaw or loose teeth.
5. Unexplained swelling of the submandibular or neck lymph nodes.

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, below the throat, shaped like a butterfly. As part of the endocrine system, it secretes thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism, blood sugar, heart rate, and kidney function. When thyroid cells proliferate abnormally and old cells do not die, they accumulate and form cancerous tumors. The progression of thyroid cancer is often slow, sometimes taking years from the appearance of cancer cells to noticeable symptoms. For this reason, patients may experience recurrence years later, making regular follow-ups crucial.

Early symptoms of thyroid cancer are often subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions. Common symptoms include the following five:

1. A painless, hard lump in the front of the neck that gradually enlarges.
2. Persistent hoarseness.
3. Neck or throat pain, sometimes extending to the ears.
4. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, accompanied by a feeling of pressure.
5. Persistent cough without other signs of a cold.

Additionally, persistent sore throat or discomfort may also be symptoms of laryngeal or esophageal cancer. Individuals who smoke or drink regularly should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms last longer than two weeks, especially if accompanied by hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck lumps.