Sign 10: Wheezing or Shortness of Breath
The final sign on our list is wheezing or shortness of breath. This symptom can be particularly alarming, as it directly impacts your ability to breathe comfortably. In the context of throat cancer, these breathing difficulties can arise if a tumor obstructs the airway or significantly affects the voice box.
Wheezing is characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe, primarily noticeable when exhaling. Shortness of breath, on the other hand, can make you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs, leaving you gasping or feeling suffocated.
It’s essential to remember that these symptoms can be caused by various conditions, many of which are less serious than cancer. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infections like pneumonia can also cause wheezing and shortness of breath.
However, if you experience these symptoms alongside others on this list, or if they persist without an apparent cause, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Persistent wheezing or shortness of breath could indicate throat cancer, particularly if the symptoms are unresponsive to treatments for other conditions. (10)
