Throat cancer is relatively uncommon and it has been estimated that about 1-1.5 percent of people will develop oral, pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer in their lifetime.
The two primary types of throat cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Rarer types of cancer may include adenoid cystic, and neuroendocrine carcinomas.
Other possible causes of a "stuck throat sensation" include conditions causing:
- irritation or inflammation of the pharynx - pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and postnasal drip secondary to chronic sinusitis;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- hypertrophy of the base of the tongue
- muscular disorders such as esophageal webs, esophageal motor disorders.
In order to investigate these causes, a careful clinical history-taking and physical examination must be performed, accompanied by a nasolaryngoscopy.
Other investigations may also be performed, such as:
- chest x-ray
- barium swallow
- videofluoroscopy
- and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD)
If any suspicious masses are found, a biopsy must be performed in order to assess
the benign or malignant nature of the mass.
Best regards
Dr Quah
