Cancer Research UK main site

first sign of throat cancer

ha1971
Offline

Hi all.

Know this is a vague question, but I would be grateful if anyone can post what their first symptoms of throat cancer were.

I've had a very pianful sore throat, one one side for more than 2 weeks now, which is particularly painful when swallowing. Antibiotics have not worked and have an another appointment with the GP in 5 days time to see if he will refer me to ENT for some tests.

Very scared that this could be cancer, so any replies would be appreciated.

 

  • Offline

    Hi ha1971. Welcome to the forum.

    I should start out by saying that I'm not a doctor. 

    Please, you are jumping the gun to think cancer this early. To be frank, having a sore throat for just two weeks is no time at all.

    Now is the time of year for viruses, and antibiotics are useless for controlling viral infections, so it would be nice if they'd worked, but not worrying that they haven't. 

    You're doing the right thing seeing your GP again, but now is not the time to worry about cancer. 

     

  • Offline in reply to telemando

    Thank you for you reply telemando. You are right, I might me getting ahead of myself and normally I wouldn't be too concerned, but because I have risk factors - smoked for about 11 years (although it has been almost 18 years since I stopped) and used to drink fairly regularly until I gave up about 10 years ago. Plus I am 48. so these 3 factors do worry me I'm afraid.

  • Offline in reply to ha1971

    You gave up smoking 18 years ago, and drinking 10 years ago - well done!  Given the amount of time that has passed I think it unlikely that either will be a significant risk factor.  Can't do much about being 48, though - sorry. :grin:

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.