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What Are The Symptoms Of Throat Cancer?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015
Question: Sometimes when I randomly spit it has a little blood in it. After a few spits it's clear. Could it be throat cancer. I'm 24 years old
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
not likely at your age

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

At your age, it is highly, highly unlikely.

This cancer is normally seen in older age groups. In the UK, the prevalence of these cases increase from age 45 to 49 , with over 75% of persons with throat cancer over the age of 60.

In the US, it is essentially the same with cases usually starting from age 40 to 45 and most persons in the older age group.

At 24, the chance is very very slim.

Commonly blood in the spit is related to: (1) allergies- allergic sinusitis
(2)acute infection eg common cold or sore throat
(3)trauma to the throat
(4)side effect of medication eg persons on anti clotting medication such as warfarin

If you have a history of allergies or there is a recent history of a cough/cold , then this is the likely cause.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 minutes later)
I have bad sinuses it been off and on for 15 months
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
this is the likely cause

Detailed Answer:
HI

This sinus issue is the likely cause of the blood that you are noticing.

If it is possible to determine the source of the sinus inflammation (if related to allergies) and you can reduce or eliminate your exposure, this may help along with medication.

I had patient whose sinus symptoms were related to bananas, only discovered after allergy blood tests.

Meds would be oral antihistamines , topical steroid nasal sprays and decongestants if congested.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (27 minutes later)
Ok thanks long as it's not cancer I'm good
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ok

Detailed Answer:
no prob

it is not likely cancer.

you can feel free to contact with any other queries
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (47 minutes later)
Could sinuses produces the blood on and off for 15 months
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
if not controlled

Detailed Answer:
hi

Sorry about the late reply

If the sinus problems are not controlled and constant then it is possible that it can cause blood to be seen.

If you can control your sinuses as much as possible then monitor for blood this would be good.
If you still see blood though your sinuses are not a problem because the medication is effectively controlling them, then you would need to be assessed for other possible causes.

This means consistently using your nasal sprays and oral antihistamines for at least 2 months. In some persons , additional medication such as singulair is needed.

If you are still concerned then you can consider a review by your doctor or an ENT doctor.

If anything else is unclear, you can let me know
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 minutes later)
If it was cancer for 15 months would I be really sick by now
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, you would be

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, you would be, there would be significant pain, difficulty swallowing and change in the quality of your voice (hoarseness or unable to speak loudly or clearly).
Weight loss would also occur.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 hours later)
Ok thanks I have no cancer in my family I do. Use skoal some that's why I was worried.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
this is understandable

Detailed Answer:
HI

Your symptoms are likely due to your sinus problems, as mentioned. The use of the skoal would be associated with an increased risk of throat cancer but again this is less likely at your age.

You should consider treating the sinuses to see if the blood resolves.

In addition, because of the risk associated with continued use of skoal, it would be best, if possible , for you to consider trying to stop using it.
It may be difficult but would be worth it.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (36 minutes later)
Ok thanks sometimes it won't happen for a month so it's hard to know if it has stopped or not but I'll try to take something
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ok

Detailed Answer:
no prob

Feel free to contact to let me know how it goes
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Of Throat Cancer?

Brief Answer: not likely at your age Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic At your age, it is highly, highly unlikely. This cancer is normally seen in older age groups. In the UK, the prevalence of these cases increase from age 45 to 49 , with over 75% of persons with throat cancer over the age of 60. In the US, it is essentially the same with cases usually starting from age 40 to 45 and most persons in the older age group. At 24, the chance is very very slim. Commonly blood in the spit is related to: (1) allergies- allergic sinusitis (2)acute infection eg common cold or sore throat (3)trauma to the throat (4)side effect of medication eg persons on anti clotting medication such as warfarin If you have a history of allergies or there is a recent history of a cough/cold , then this is the likely cause. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions