Are localized larynx pain and ear pain a sign of cancer?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Unilateral throat pain after recovery from an upper respiratory tract infection that is moderate to severe and with associated referred ear pain is likely due to aphthous ulcers of the tonsil, area around the tonsil, or deeper part of the tongue. Most of them are self-resolving and will not need any specific treatment. Cancers of the oropharynx are rare, and pain is not usually a presenting symptom. So I do not think you need to worry about that. I suggest you take any available OTC (over-the-counter) B complex tablets or capsules for a week. Do not try to use your finger to check that area of pain, and avoid doing salt water gargling. For pain, you can use Paracetamol or Acetaminophen as and when required. You should be alright in the next 7 to 10 days. Take care.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Ulcers are common in the lateral pharyngeal wall, inferior to the tonsillar area or the base of the tongue area. Most of these ulcers are self-resolving. However, if your symptoms persist even after a month of onset despite routine treatment, you may need to get a video laryngoscopy from an ENT (ear, nose, throat). By your clinical history, I do not suspect anything sinister. Take care.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

Please attach a photo with a finger pointing to the area of pain. That will help me decide on the area of involvement and reason for pain. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

Pain in the lower part of the neck is unlikely due to aphthous ulcers. Either it is deep neck muscle spasms known as cervical myofascial pain or subacute thyroiditis. Unless examined directly, it is very difficult to confirm. None of the malignancies present with pain in the area you have pointed out, that I can assure you. Take care.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, common symptoms of cancers in the larynx or hypopharynx are changing in voice, difficulty (not pain) in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, swelling in the neck, etc. Regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If it is myofascial pain, then hot compresses to the area of pain two times daily may help. If it is thyroiditis, it may last for a couple of months. Regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is nothing else that can cause such symptoms in the lower part of the neck. Rarely acid reflux disorders can do that, but the pain in those cases will be milder and burning type. Regards.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Even I think you will be better in a week or two. So do not worry about cancer. None of your symptoms point towards anything sinister as per your clinical history. Regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. As I told you last time, it is very difficult to diagnose unless you are examined directly, or a laryngoscopy is done. Ulcers do not stay for months. Cancers are generally painless, so other causes need to be ruled out. For that, personal consultation with a doctor is necessary. I hope this helps.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Cancers are rare diagnoses and should not be thought of unless there is hard evidence. I can say the chance of cancer is 1:1000. I hope this helps.