Common symptoms including sore throat and 'hot potato voice' that could be signs of cancer
At this chilly time of year, it's quite common to have a sore throat or a husky voice. However, if those symptoms go on for too long, you should definitely consult a doctor, as you might have tonsil cancer.
Tonsil cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, and symptoms often include a painless neck lump and a sore throat.
Other signs of the illness include persistent sores in the tonsil area, difficulty speaking (also known as hot potato voice, or speaking like you have a mouthful of hot potatoes), and swollen lymph glands on one side of the neck. Ear pain is another red flag, as is difficulty swallowing.
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According to Cancer Research UK, the main risk factors for tonsil cancer are smoking, drinking alcohol and infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which also causes cervical cancer.
Five years ago, Scottish television actor Grey O'Brien, best known for his portrayal of the villainous Weatherfield businessman Tony Gordon in Coronation Street, opened up to the London Evening Standard about his diagnosis of Stage Four tonsil cancer.
He revealed that he discovered he had been living with the condition after visiting his doctor with swollen glands in August 2019. He only revealed his illness in November of that year after receiving the all clear.
He said: “When I received the diagnosis of tonsil cancer I was of course devastated – it’s cancer.
“My reason for waiting to ring the bell before I mentioned it publicly is because I wasn’t sure how strong I would be in coping with the treatment, indeed could I cope with the treatment?
“Even though I was told what to expect after the chemotherapy and what to expect after 30 rounds of radiotherapy I wasn’t sure how my body would react, and now six weeks later I have been able to cope with it and I was able to ring the bell."
“This is only the treatment finished. I now have a long way to go with my recovery," he continued.
He's still doing well five years later, and is currently playing iconic Scottish detective Inspector John Rebus in Rebus: A Game Called Malice at York Theatre Royal.
When should you consult a doctor?
Health.com, which is overseen by a board of 70 certified physicians, advise that you should contact a doctor if:
You have a persistent sore throat: "Most sore throats improve in 5-10 days. A sore throat is considered persistent if it lasts longer than five days and is not associated with an unavoidable irritant like air pollution or allergies."
You have long-lasting earache: "An earache should improve within 24-48 hours. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop other symptoms of an infection or your earache suddenly stops, which can happen if you rupture your eardrum."
You find a lump in your throat or neck: "If an infection causes a lump in your throat or neck, it should go away when your infection clears. Contact your healthcare provider if your lump does not disappear in 2-3 weeks."
You should also reach out to your doctor if your hoarseness lasts more than 2-3 weeks or worsens, you suddenly have difficulty breathing or swallowing or you develop other symptoms of illness, like fever, dizziness, nausea, or headache.
What is the treatment for tonsil cancer?
Cancer Research UK say that treatment for tonsil cancer could include:
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
Or targeted and immunotherapy drugs
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