What Causes Feeling Of Lump In The Throat And Pressure In The Ears?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016

Question: Hi, I need an expert opinion from a practitioner that has experience in diagnosing any throat cancers or related issues. Basically i have the feeling of a lump in my throat, more specifically in my esophagus near the collar bone. I've had this feeling for about a week now. I also feel pressure in my ears and swallowing seems somewhat constricted. I know this can possible be a number of things however due to my last 3-4 years of risky behavior, I'm worried that this may cancerous. In the last 4 years, I have become a heavy drinker and smoker and have had oral sex with risky partners therefore my concern is that this may be hpv linked. My questions are: If this was really of concern, can cancer metastasize that quickly? Also, i don't see any sores in my mouth, or anything suspicious, is there a correlation typically between mouth sores and cancer or is it possible to have throat cancer without visible signs in the mouth? I've been drinking alot of tea lately as well, not sure if this has any effect, just thought I'd mention it. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stop smoking and alcohol

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having feeling of lump in throat.

Answers for your queries.

1. Yes. Metastasis is fastly spreading, depending on type of cancer ( there are different type related to glands - squamous, adeno carcinoma- fastly spreading).

2. Yes. smoking, alcohol and human papilloma virus is common risk factors for orodigestive tract cancers.
Oral ulcers or premalignrnt lesions ( leukoplakia) may predispose the cancer.

3. No. Most of the oral cancer starts from oral sores or bleeding spots or ulcers.

4. You need to stop smoking and alcohol consumption to reverse the mucosa to normal status.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please
do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar