a fine needle aspiration, which uses a needle to extract cells from a tumor.an endoscopic biopsy, which involves removing a piece of tissue using a flexible tube, or endoscope, inserted through the mouth.a conventional biopsy, which involves cutting away a piece of the tissue.They will then send the tissue sample to a laboratory technician, who will examine it for signs of cancer. A laryngoscope is an instrument that allows a doctor to see inside a person’s throat in order to identify any abnormalities.ĭuring a laryngoscopy, the doctor may take a biopsy of the throat tissue. If they suspect throat cancer, they may order a laryngoscopy. They typically start with a physical examination and a discussion of the person’s symptoms. There are several tools a doctor can use to test for throat cancer. A person should therefore see a doctor if they experience any symptoms of throat cancer that do not go away. It is possible for a person to mistake the signs and symptoms of throat cancer for those of other conditions. persistent coughing, which may produce blood.persistent white patches on the tongue or the lining of the mouth.difficulty moving the tongue or opening the mouth.Difficulty breathing: If throat cancer blocks the airway, it can become difficult for a person to breathe.Ī person with throat cancer may also experience:.Weight loss: This may be related to difficulty swallowing food.Stage 3 and 4 cancer can spread to the lymph nodes. A lump on the neck: This can indicate a swollen lymph node.They may also feel that food is becoming stuck in the throat.Īs throat cancer becomes advanced, a person may experience the following symptoms: Difficulty swallowing: Some people may experience a burning sensation or pain in the throat when swallowing.Hoarse voice: A raspy, strained voice is one of the most common symptoms of throat cancer.People can also develop slurred speech or have difficulty pronouncing certain words. Vocal changes: A person’s voice may become quieter or sound huskier.The early symptoms and signs of throat cancer may vary depending on the part of the throat it affects. Symptoms may change as the cancer advances through the early to the later stages.

The stage describes the cancer’s spread and severity.Īlthough doctors may stage pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer slightly differently, typically they use five stages of throat cancer, from 0 to 4. An individual’s symptoms may depend on the stage of throat cancer.

Frank beamer throat cancer