Winter's dry and cold air has the potential to cause throat irritation and pain. This is because a lack of humidity can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat, also known as the pharynx. However, a sore throat is not just an outcome of cold weather but can also indicate something serious. Therefore, if symptoms persist, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.
Common Causes Of Throat Pain
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Swapnil Brajpuriya, Senior Consultant and Head Unit (II)-ENT, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Throat pain has become increasingly prevalent in recent times, with rising infection rates causing concerns,” adding that infections, whether viral or bacterial, stand as the primary culprits behind it.
Also Read: Understanding Sore Throat: Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis & More
Additionally, environmental factors like allergies, pollution, and dry air, along with health conditions like acid reflux, wherein stomach acid flows back into the throat, can also contribute to irritation and discomfort, according to the doctor.
Benign Vs Cancerous Throat Pain: Differences
Most cases of throat pain are benign, meaning they do not cause any long-term harm or have any life-threatening effects. This type of throat pain is often caused by common factors such as viral or bacterial infections, environmental irritants, overuse of the vocal cords, or mild irritation. Common symptoms include:
- Soreness ranging from mild to moderate discomfort
- Temporary swelling due to an infection or irritation
- Redness indicates inflammation of the throat lining
On the other hand, malignant throat pain refers to discomfort that is associated with a cancerous condition, which causes persistent pain and other symptoms, such as:
- Persistent pain lasting for weeks or months
- Difficulty swallowing even with soft foods or liquids
- Hoarseness in the voice that persists beyond common infections
- Detectable lumps or masses in the neck or throat region
Throat cancer is a rare form of cancer that only occurs in a small number of people. It involves cancer of the voice box, vocal cords, and other parts of the throat. This is why it is also called laryngeal cancer.
Who Is More At Risk Of Throat Cancer?
Several risk factors contribute to throat cancer, including smoking and tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and demographic factors such as age and gender, said Dr Brajpuriya.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this type of cancer occurs in about 1 in 190 men and 1 in 830 women. In India, laryngeal cancer contributes to approximately 3–6% of all cancers in men, as per a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology.
Also Read: Say Goodbye To Your Throat Pain With These Easy Home Remedies
How To Know For Sure And Treatment Approaches
“Medical attention is warranted if throat pain persists for more than two weeks, symptoms worsen in severity, or there is a history of risk factors such as smoking, heavy drinking, or HPV,” said Dr Brajpuriya.
To reach a conclusive result, healthcare professionals use various diagnostic procedures, including a physical examination of the throat and neck, imaging tests such as x-rays or CT scans, and biopsies, to confirm or rule out cancer, he added.
As far as benign throat pain is concerned, treatments may include rest and hydration, Over-The-Counter (OTC) pain medications to alleviate discomfort, and warm saltwater gargles to reduce inflammation. On the other hand, if it is throat cancer, treatment options range from surgery for the removal of cancerous tissues to radiation therapy for targeted cell elimination and chemotherapy to control or destroy cancer cells.
Conclusion
Throat pain is a common condition that is usually managed with home remedies, rest, and OTC medications. However, if symptoms persist and the pain worsens, it can indicate something more chronic and serious. It is advisable to consult a doctor, who can help confirm the condition, which can help get timely treatment and provide positive outcomes.