While most instances of this symptom are not a sign of anything serious, some cases may point to early signs of head and neck cancer
An oncologist has urged Brits not to ignore a common symptom if it lasts three weeks. You may not realise that this lingering sign could indicate a potentially fatal disease.
Dr Jiri Kubes, the medical director at Prague’s Proton Therapy Centre, has highlighted that a continuous sore throat might signal something much more serious than a cold. While the majority of sore throats stem from viral infections or allergies, Dr Kubes pointed out that in some instances they could be early indicators of head or neck cancer.
The concern escalates when the sore throat persists beyond a three-week period, he noted. Yet, this symptom is frequently overlooked because individuals fail to recognise its potential severity.
“People assume it’s just an infection or acid reflux, especially if they’re otherwise healthy,” Dr Kubes said. “But when a sore throat won’t go away – and it doesn’t respond to normal treatments – it’s time to investigate.”
Cancer Research UK ‘s data indicates that there are approximately 12,800 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed annually in the UK, ranking it as the eighth most prevalent type of cancer. This category encompasses various cancers found in the head and neck region, such as those affecting the throat, larynx, and mouth.
Symptoms
Dr Kubes mentioned that the initial symptoms of head and neck cancer can be subtle, including persistent hoarseness, a constant sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of something being lodged in the throat.
“These symptoms can be subtle, which is why they’re often missed,” he said. “If you’ve had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it’s on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP.”
He further noted that people who smoke or consume alcohol frequently are at an elevated risk, yet non-smokers are not exempt. “We’re seeing rising cases in younger people with no obvious risk factors – particularly linked to HPV infections,” Dr Kubes continued.
While he emphasised that a sore throat isn’t a definitive sign of cancer, he encourages people to heed their intuition if something seems amiss. Dr Kubes advised: “Most sore throats are harmless – but if it drags on, get it checked.
“Cancers in this area are very treatable when caught early, especially with targeted therapies like proton beam treatment.”
Dr Kubes recommended speaking to a doctor if your sore throat:
- Lasts more than three weeks
- Comes with unexplained ear pain
- Causes changes to your voice
- Makes swallowing difficult
- Comes with a lump in the neck or weight loss
“You know your body best,” he added. “If something feels off – act on it.”
#Cancer #warning #oncologist #ignore #common #threeweek #symptom
