Symptom 11: Wheezing or Stridor: A Disturbing Sound
Our exploration of throat cancer symptoms brings us to wheezing or stridor, two distinct yet related symptoms that manifest as abnormal sounds during breathing. These sounds can be quite unsettling, but they serve as important clues in detecting potential throat cancer.
Wheezing refers to a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe out. It’s typically associated with narrowed or constricted airways, caused by inflammation, blockage, or tumor growth. On the other hand, stridor is a harsh, raspy noise that arises when you breathe in, often due to an obstruction in the upper airway.
These sounds may occur intermittently or persistently, depending on the severity of the underlying condition. While wheezing can be caused by various respiratory issues, including asthma or allergies, persistent wheezing or stridor that is accompanied by other symptoms can be a sign of throat cancer.
The tumor’s presence in the throat can partially or completely obstruct the airway, leading to these abnormal breathing sounds. It’s important to note that wheezing or stridor alone may not be sufficient to diagnose throat cancer definitively. However, when combined with other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or voice changes, they become valuable pieces of the diagnostic puzzle. (11)
