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826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Philadelphia and Phoenixville Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor – Head and Neck Cancer
Cancers of the head and neck are often connected to certain behaviors. The use of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, has been linked to approximately 85 percent of head and neck cancers. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is another key risk factor: a link between alcohol consumption and cancers of the mouth, throat, and larynx has been well-established. The good news is that when discovered early, cancers of the head and neck are curable. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson, Ear, Nose & Throat, Philadelphia and Phoenixville residents can find an ear, nose, and throat doctor highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.
Symptoms to be aware of include the following:
Bleeding
Blood in the saliva or phlegm is most likely an indication of something other than cancer. However, it can be caused by tumors in the nose, throat, mouth, or lungs. Bleeding that continues for more than a few days should be investigated by an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Difficulty Swallowing
Often, difficulty swallowing is caused by a cold or flu. It can also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. However, cancer of the throat or esophagus can also make swallowing difficult. If persistent, trouble swallowing may warrant an examination by an otolaryngologist.
Mouth Sores/Swelling
A sore or swelling in the mouth – whether painful and bleeding or not – that does not disappear after several days can be an indication of cancer of the mouth or tongue. If accompanied by a lump in the neck, sores and swelling require immediate medical examination. An otolaryngologist may take a sample of tissue from the affected area to determine whether or not cancer is present. Residents of the Philadelphia or Phoenixville area can find an ear, nose, and throat doctor with experience in diagnosing cancers of the mouth at Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat.
Neck Lump
A neck lump, not to be confused with a swollen throat, may be an indication of a range of medical conditions, among them the common cold, mumps, tonsillitis, and thyroid disorder. A lump in the neck, however, may also be a sign of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), or thyroid gland. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) can also cause lymph nodes to swell, producing a neck lump. Lumps lasting more than two weeks should be examined by a physician.
Voice Changes
Hoarseness and other voice changes most likely do not indicate cancer. However, since voice changes are a symptom of cancer of the larynx (voice box), changes that persist more than two weeks warrant a visit to the doctor. When changes in the voice are accompanied by a lump in the neck, an earache, persistent coughing, or trouble breathing, medical evaluation should be sought immediately.
Persistent Earache
A persistent earache is a symptom connected to many different conditions and is not always an indication of cancer. When it is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, a neck lump, or voice changes, however, an ear, nose, and throat doctor should be consulted.
Contact Broker, Cramer & Swanson, Ear, Nose, & Throat
When symptoms such as blood in the saliva or phlegm, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, voice changes, or persistent earache last more than a couple of weeks or exist together, it is important to seek medical advice. Individuals in Philadelphia or Phoenixville can contact an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor in their area at our practice.