Cancer has become a frequent occurrence in modern society. With early diagnosis, many forms of cancer can be effectively treated, but it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms. This is particularly true of Head and Neck Cancer in Allentown, which often manifests itself via symptoms similar to those of a common cold. Patients who are concerned that they may have cancer need to schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist as soon as possible. To help determine whether this may be necessary, this article provides a brief list of common symptoms below.
Noticeable Lumps
Tumors are uncontrolled growths often associated with cancer. Some are cancerous, and some are benign. The only way to find out if a lump in the neck, throat, or nose is a symptom of cancer or something less serious is to have it evaluated by a specialist. This often requires a biopsy, a procedure in which a doctor removes some of the material and sends it to a lab for testing.
Persistent Dysphagia or a Sore Throat
Trouble swallowing and sore throats are nothing to worry about if they resolve themselves quickly on their own. However, if these symptoms persist over a long period of time and are not accompanied by other symptoms of common colds and flu, the patient experiencing them needs to see a specialist. Unexplained changes in vocal quality or hoarseness should also be made a note of when seeing the doctor for an evaluation.
Hearing Loss and Ear Pain
Hearing loss is often considered an inevitable effect of aging, and often it is. However, if the hearing loss has occurred suddenly or the patient is younger in age, it may be a sign of something more serious. If it is accompanied by any kind of a pain in the ear, it indicates that it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Frequent coughing, unexplained weight loss, and extreme headaches are other common symptoms of Head And Neck Cancer in Allentown that often go unnoticed or are attributed to other less serious conditions. If many of these symptoms manifest themselves simultaneously, it is not worth the risk to assume it’s just a common cold. Visit our website for more information or to get in touch with a specialist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.
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