I have off and on episodes of hoarseness, particularity in the morning--not everyday. If this isn't due to "old" age (I'm 67), what is the normal time progression of throat cancer (e.g., 1st symptoms of hoarseness, to really something obvious) , or where can I go to find info on this??
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My dad got a squamous cell cancer originating in the base of his tongue at age 68... He first noticed it as a hard lump in the side of his neck (no vocal issues).
A surgery and some radiation (no chemo) fixed him up. Doctor said it all depends on if the cancer has spread to the carotid artery, which his had almost infiltrated. Once it's grown into the carotid, the prognosis becomes much worse.
Different types of cancer spread at different speeds, and an early diagnosis makes all the difference in the world regarding how it is treated and how deadly it is.
I'm not a doctor, but once you are symptomatic, if left untreated I'd guess you'd be in serious trouble within 6 months to a year, with limited treatment options available once a cancer is well established.
It's possible you're just breathing through your mouth while you sleep and drying out your vocal cords. Your GP could take a quick look in your throat with a tongue depressor and light and perhaps get a much better idea on whether you are looking at a cancer, or something much more benign.
Bite the bullet and at least have your GP take a look at you... It could set your mind at ease and perhaps mean the difference between some treatment that isn't all that bad, and add another decade to your life, or being told to get your affairs in order a few months down the road.
Life is Good! Do what you need to do to take care of yourself.
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