Man with persistent throat sensation for over a month diagnosed with oral cancer
A man in his 60s with no smoking history was diagnosed with oral cancer after experiencing persistent one-sided throat pain for over a month. Doctors warn that HPV-linked oral cancers increasingly mimic cold symptoms, so throat pain lasting
A man in his 60s visited a doctor with persistent one-sided throat pain, initially believing it was merely a common cold. However, detailed examination confirmed he had oral cancer. Dr. Wong Seewian explained that early symptoms of oral and pharyngeal cancer closely resemble the flu, and anyone experiencing such symptoms should seek prompt examination and biopsy to avoid missing the critical treatment window.
Dr. Wong Seewian shared the case on Facebook, noting that this patient had no history of smoking or alcohol consumption and no family history of cancer. The primary symptom was soreness on the right side of the throat, particularly when swallowing. Although the pain was manageable, it persisted for over a month. A biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, shocking the patient since he lacked traditional risk factors.
The doctor emphasized that while most people associate oral cancer with smoking, alcohol, or betel nut chewing, an increasing number of cases now involve Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In Europe and the United States, 60-70% of new oral and pharyngeal cancer cases are linked to HPV, particularly affecting the tonsillar region and base of tongue, fundamentally changing our understanding of risk factors.
Many patients in early stages experience only a sensation of something stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, ear fullness, or a small lump in the neck area. Because these symptoms typically involve no fever, they are often mistaken for ordinary inflammation. Doctors warn that even without traditional risk factors, chronic hoarseness or enlarged lymph nodes could indicate HPV infection.
The key to distinguishing cold from cancer lies in symptom duration. Common cold sore throat typically improves within a week, but persistent one-sided throat pain lasting 2-3 weeks unresponsive to medication warrants specialist evaluation. Enlarging neck lymph nodes or worsening swallowing difficulty should prompt immediate medical consultation. Screening is crucial for early detection, significantly improving survival rates and reducing surgical scope. Dr. Wong Seewian emphasized that persistent throat symptoms lasting weeks should be thoroughly investigated using proper medical instruments to identify the true cause and prevent disease progression, protecting oral health and overall well-being.
