Throat cancer warning - man’s earache turned out to be deadly tumour
CANCER symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected by a tumour. This man’s earache turned out to be deadly throat cancer - are you at risk?
Throat cancer can include many different parts of the throat, including the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and the nasopharynx, according to the NHS.
The cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. About 10,000 new cases are diagnosed in the UK every year.
Symptoms of throat cancer can include difficulty swallowing, a cough, or a sore throat.
A change to your voice - a hoarseness or an inability to speak properly - could also be a sign of the cancer.
But, Paul Simpson, 56, was diagnosed with throat cancer after he had a pain in his ear.
Cancer symptoms: Throat tumour signs include earache and a change to the voice
Simpson was diagnosed with the cancer two years ago, and his treatment is still ongoing.
He went to see a GP for ear pain, but was later told he had throat cancer, leaving him “in utter shock”.
“I’d had a little discomfort in my ear, so went to see my doctor who initially thought it was probably an infection,” he said.
“But it didn’t clear up and after further investigations I was told it was throat cancer.
“I was completely devastated and felt my world was falling apart.”
GETTY Images/Macmillan
While he’s finished his chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he still has a lot of side-effects.
“It’s a long hard road to recovery emotionally and physically,” said Simpson. “I still have a lot of side effects, like having a very dry mouth when eating sometimes and getting cuts on my tongue.”
Simpson’s family and friends helped to push him out of his darkest days, he said.
“Some days are harder than others. Hopefully things are moving in the right direct and my family are so supportive.”
After training as a Macmillan Neighbour, he’s helping others in a volunteer role, by giving his colleagues advice about where they can find support.
GETTY Images
Macmillan Cancer Support has launched its ‘Just Say the Word’ campaign, to encourage men with cancer to seek help.
Many men find it difficult to talk, the charity said. Macmillan was half as likely to receive a phone call from a man than a woman last year, it revealed.
That’s despite men being 22 per cent more likely to develop cancer.
Talking is an important part of coping with cancer, it said.
Macmillan Cancer Support is working with the construction, electrical, technology and home improvement sectors to help men talk about cancer and the support available. For more information visit www.macmillan.org.uk/saytheword