Symptom 8. The Unexpected Alert: Bad Breath
Although not as common as other symptoms, persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can be an unexpected alert of laryngeal cancer. It’s a symptom that might seem unrelated, but it can indeed occur in individuals with this form of cancer.
Bad breath associated with laryngeal cancer is typically persistent and doesn’t improve with regular oral hygiene practices. It’s not the kind of bad breath that follows a garlicky meal or a morning wake-up. Instead, it’s a chronic condition that lingers, despite your best efforts at brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
The connection between laryngeal cancer and bad breath lies in the potential changes in the body caused by the cancer. For instance, a tumor might cause a build-up of bacteria in the throat, leading to halitosis. Similarly, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth, resulting in bad breath.
If you or someone close to you notices a change in your breath’s smell that doesn’t improve with enhanced oral hygiene, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Especially when coupled with other symptoms on this list, persistent bad breath can serve as an unexpected yet essential alert to potential underlying issues. (8)
