A leading cancer specialist has cautioned that sore throats persisting beyond three weeks might indicate head or neck cancer instead of typical viral infections.
Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director at Prague's Proton Therapy Centre, cautioned that many individuals wrongly attribute prolonged throat discomfort to common ailments.
"People assume it's just an infection or acid reflux, especially if they're otherwise healthy," Dr Kubes said.
The specialist noted that when throat pain continues despite standard remedies, further investigation becomes crucial.
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|A sore throat that persists for longer than three weeks should be investigated
"But when a sore throat won't go away - and it doesn't respond to normal treatments - it's time to investigate," he added.
Initial symptoms of head and neck malignancies frequently present subtly, according to Dr Kubes. These include persistent hoarseness, ongoing throat discomfort, swallowing difficulties, or sensations of throat obstruction.
"These symptoms can be subtle, which is why they're often missed," he explained.
"If you've had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it's on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP," Dr Kubes stated.
While smoking and alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors, the doctor noted concerning trends amongst younger populations without traditional risk exposures.
"We're seeing rising cases in younger people with no obvious risk factors, particularly linked to HPV infections," Dr Kubes said.
Environmental contaminants might contribute to increasing cancer rates, though research continues.
"Microplastics and airborne pollutants can irritate delicate tissues in the throat and airways," he explained, suggesting that prolonged exposure to such irritants could heighten inflammation levels.
"We don't yet know the full impact, but chronic exposure could increase inflammation and potentially raise cancer risk over time."
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|A sore throat that persists for longer than three weeks should be investigated
Dr Kubes emphasised that while throat discomfort rarely indicates cancer, vigilance remains essential.
"Most sore throats are harmless - but if it drags on, get it checked," he advised.
"You know your body best," he added. "If something feels off - act on it."
The specialist highlighted that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, noting that "cancers in this area are very treatable when caught early, especially with targeted therapies like proton beam treatment".