Throat Pain and Foreign Sensation: When to Seek Help - Oncology

Share to:

Oral issues


Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice.
I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall (the area from the uvula down to the deep throat) for the past three months.
The symptoms seem to be getting more painful and severe.
Although I do not have difficulty swallowing, swallowing does cause sharp pain.
I have been taking medication during this time, but there has been no improvement.
Five months ago, I underwent a tonsillectomy on both sides and a uvulopalatoplasty, but the sensation of a foreign body persists.
Additionally, I have sharp pain at the base of my left tongue and throat.
I mentioned this to my doctor during a follow-up visit, and he suggested it might be caused by acid reflux.
I have undergone an upper endoscopy, and the doctor felt that the findings were not significant enough to explain my throat issues, as there was only very mild gastroesophageal reflux, which should not cause severe sensations of a foreign body in the throat.
I have been taking some medications for my stomach as well.
On July 26, during a follow-up visit, I mentioned that I noticed a raised area with white spots at the back of my right tongue.
The doctor said that this is a lingual tonsil, which everyone has, but I only have swelling on the right side.
There is no swelling on the left side, but I have had pain at the base of my left tongue for several months.
The doctor previously indicated that this was due to inflammation of the lingual tonsil.
On July 26, the doctor only used a tongue depressor to examine the swelling and mentioned that the white spots might be food debris.
However, the swelling and white spots are still present, which worries me because my throat and pharyngeal wall continue to be very painful, and the sensation of a foreign body is quite pronounced.
I feel as if I am in a state of inflammation, and I often feel the urge to touch the area to identify the source of the discomfort.
When I press on the pharyngeal wall, it feels hard and lumpy, and I can feel a hard area where I think I might gag.
My throat feels bumpy and hard, which frightens me.
I also have many hard lumps on my tongue.
These symptoms are very distressing, and I am concerned that there may be something serious.

Three months ago, during a follow-up for my surgical site, an endoscope was used to examine my throat, and it was noted that the area near my vocal cords was swollen, and there was inflammation at the base of my left tongue.
However, my symptoms seem to be worsening.
Even when my mouth is still and I do not swallow, I experience sharp pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall, as if there is a sharp bone lodged inside.
I also feel a throbbing sensation, which is very frightening.
Additionally, I have been experiencing sudden onset tinnitus in my left ear for the past five months, with occasional deep ear pain, which has become more frequent recently.
The cause of this has not yet been identified, and treatment has not resolved it.
Now, I would like to ask you, Doctor, if the symptoms caused by something serious would be alleviated upon waking up (within about five minutes)? Furthermore, every morning I wake up with a foul taste in my throat, and after a few minutes, my symptoms become more pronounced throughout the day, including sharp pain when eating.
Sometimes I feel like there is a metallic taste of blood when swallowing saliva, but nothing comes out when I spit.
Pressing on certain areas of my neck and throat also causes sharp pain.
Even when my mouth is closed, I feel pain and a sensation of a foreign body.
When lying down, if I press down slightly on my throat near the collarbone, the sensation of a foreign body and pain becomes more pronounced.

I have been researching online and found that it could be pharyngitis, but my symptoms seem somewhat different.
I have read that early symptoms of pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer include a sensation of a foreign body, which worsens over time, and this frightens me greatly.
Initially, due to my tonsil issues, I visited many doctors, and many of them thought I had psychological issues.
Now that I have had my tonsils removed, I still have symptoms, and they seem worse than before the surgery.
The area between the palatopharyngeal arch and the palatoglossal arch had previously undergone a biopsy (due to a white lesion), and after treatment, it improved, but I have continued to experience abnormal sharp pain in that area.
Now, after the tonsillectomy, that area is no longer visible, but I still feel persistent inflammation and pain.
I can even feel pain when using a cotton swab in that area (I have attached a photo).
I am genuinely worried that I may have some form of oral cancer.
I do not understand why I still have these symptoms after having my tonsils removed.
Three months post-surgery, I feel like I have not fully recovered.
Initially, I was concerned about chronic tonsillitis and the long-term sensation of a foreign body, which led me to decide on the surgery, fearing potential malignancy.
Now, my situation seems worse, and I am worried that I may have developed a late-stage issue, especially since oropharyngeal cancer is difficult to treat.
I have a child who is not yet three years old, and I am truly scared.
Please help me analyze my situation.
Should I see an ENT specialist for further examination, or how should I communicate with my doctor? Thank you.
I am also very afraid of seeking medical help, as I have previously experienced being misunderstood and treated poorly, which was very distressing.
Now, even when my mouth is closed and my tongue moves, I feel a sensation of a foreign body, and occasionally I experience sudden sharp pains.
Do my symptoms resemble cancer? My father was diagnosed with breast cancer this year at the age of 82, which adds to my fear of having a higher risk factor.
I feel that doctors who have seen cancer cases may have more insight.
If I undergo another endoscopic examination of my throat and there are no significant abnormalities, can I be reassured that it is not something serious? If I plan to pay for an MRI, will it provide a detailed examination? Is there a need for a neck ultrasound as well? I have attached a photo for your review.
Thank you.

Miss Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/06

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology


Some individuals may experience a persistent sensation of a foreign body or pain in the throat after tonsil surgery.
If gastroesophageal reflux or oropharyngeal reflux issues are ruled out, and there are no abnormalities found during regular follow-ups with an otolaryngologist and endoscopic examinations, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation.
If there are still concerns, considering a self-paid MRI might be an option.
Additionally, a blood test to check thyroid function can be performed, and if abnormalities are detected, a neck ultrasound may be warranted.

Reply Date: 2021/08/06

More Info


Throat pain and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be distressing symptoms that significantly affect your quality of life. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing these symptoms for an extended period, and they have progressively worsened. Given your medical history, including the recent tonsillectomy and the ongoing issues with throat pain and discomfort, it is essential to approach this situation with careful consideration.

First, let's address the potential causes of your symptoms. The sensation of a foreign body in the throat, along with pain, can arise from several conditions. One common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the throat and esophagus. Although your gastroenterologist noted only mild reflux, it is still possible that even minor reflux could contribute to your throat discomfort.
Another possibility is post-nasal drip, where mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a sensation of something being stuck. This can be exacerbated by allergies or sinus infections. Additionally, pharyngitis or laryngitis, which are inflammation of the throat and voice box, respectively, can also lead to similar symptoms.

You mentioned that you have a lump on the right side of your tongue and pain on the left side. While the doctor indicated that the lump is likely a normal anatomical variation (the lingual tonsil), any persistent changes in the oral cavity or throat should be monitored closely. The presence of white spots could be due to various benign conditions, but they can also indicate infections or other issues that may require further evaluation.

Regarding your concerns about cancer, it is understandable to feel anxious, especially with a family history of cancer. However, it is crucial to remember that many throat and oral cavity symptoms are not cancer-related. That said, if you have persistent symptoms, especially those that worsen over time, it is essential to seek further evaluation.
You asked whether symptoms could improve upon waking. In some cases, symptoms related to reflux or irritation may indeed feel better after a night's rest, but this is not a definitive indicator of the underlying cause.
Given the complexity of your symptoms and their duration, I recommend the following steps:
1. Follow-Up with an ENT Specialist: It is crucial to have a thorough examination by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a laryngoscopy or endoscopy to visualize the throat and assess for any abnormalities that may not have been detected previously.

2. Communicate Your Symptoms Clearly: When you see the ENT, be sure to describe all your symptoms in detail, including the duration, intensity, and any factors that worsen or alleviate them. Mention your concerns about cancer and your family history, as this information is vital for your doctor to consider.

3. Consider Imaging Studies: If the ENT feels it is necessary, they may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI or a neck ultrasound to rule out any structural issues or masses.

4. Manage Anxiety: It is understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, especially given your family history. Consider discussing your concerns with a mental health professional or a support group, as they can provide coping strategies.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: If GERD is a contributing factor, lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, weight management, and avoiding triggers (like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol) may help alleviate symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, they are not necessarily indicative of cancer. However, due to their persistence and your discomfort, it is essential to seek further evaluation from a specialist. Early intervention and thorough examination can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a vital step toward finding relief.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. For the past few days, I've been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, along with a sharp pain. The pain is consistently located just above the line of my collarbone. Swallowing saliva provides slight relief, but the discomfort returns short...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out the presence of any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please keep the followi...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. About two months ago, I frequently felt discomfort in my throat and had a cough. Last month, I visited an otolaryngologist due to pain and a foreign body sensation on the inner side of my left upper gum. The doctor prescribed an oral ointment and anti-inflammatory ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis is often associated with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to return to an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist for further examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, ...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, on the night of July 8th, while eating fish, I felt something scratch my throat, which was painful. When I woke up in the morning, I noticed discomfort on the right side of my throat. I visited a clinic where the doctor said he didn’t see any fish bones and prescrib...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Based on your detailed description, your symptoms include sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body, difficulty swallowing, elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue, chest tightness, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms may be caused by various fact...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: When to Seek ENT Help

Hello, doctor! I was diagnosed about a month ago and recovered in about a week. Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. It does not affect my sleep, talking, eating, or drinking, and I do not feel it during those activities. However, when I ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, chronic pharyngitis is common and you can visit an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for examination.

[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: When to Seek ENT Help


Related FAQ

Neck

(Oncology)

Laryngeal Cancer

(Oncology)

Difficulty Swallowing

(Otolaryngology)

Sore Throat

(Otolaryngology)

Throat

(Internal Medicine)

Throat Itching

(Pulmonology)

Lymphadenopathy

(Oncology)

Fish Bone Stuck In Throat

(Otolaryngology)

Accidental Ingestion

(Otolaryngology)

Choking

(Internal Medicine)