I am a 23yrs. old male and had been profusely smoking for the last three years before I stopped completely 5 months ago.
I didn't have any problems with my throat until the beginning of last year. In the chemistry lab at college I accidently breathed in fumes from a reaction of sulphuric acid and some solid (the name of which I can't seem to remember) a little too much. The next day I had a sore throat which lasted 2-3 days. From then on I started feeling a slight coarseness a little below the base of my toungue (in the pharynx area I probably should say)which later started to feel like a lump. Later on tiny yellowish globules that smelled like a very bad breath just started propping into my mouth 1-2 times a week or so from inside my throat. A friend of mine said he too had problems with such globules getting pushed up to his mouth from the throat.
I don't feel the lump anymore since I stopped smoking but feel that the immediate throat cavity is slightly more constricted than before and those globules still persist.There is no problem whatsoever while eating but a few drops of liquid drunk tend to get trapped with mucous(thick saliva??) in the cavity that need to be ejected into my mouth with muscular movements in the mouth and throat.
Could you tell me if this is indeed some kind of a sign of cancer? Or is it something not so serious that can be easily gotten rid of. I'd appreciate it.
Answer ----------
The symptoms described include: irritation in the throat, sensation of a lump, and foul tasting secretions. These symptoms are commonly experienced with gastroesophageal reflux whereby acid contents from the stomach reflux up the esophagus occasionally reaching the throat. Hoarseness, coughing, frequent clearing of the throat, complaints of thick "phlegm" or mucous coating the throat, and soreness of the lower throat are also common symptoms of this condition. The condition is usually associated with a weakness in the circular muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. The diagnosis of the condition requires a thorough history to better define aggravating and alleviating factors if any, as well as a thorough head and neck evaluation including a careful look at the pharynx and larynx. Occasionally endoscopy of the esophagus may also be recommended particularly if initial treatments are ineffective. Treatment usually involves dietary manipulations including the avoidance of meals withing 2-3 hours before retiring, keeping the head of bed elevated (2-3 pillows) at night, the occasional use of antacids after meals and before retiring, and liberal intake of water. Prescription medications may be necessary if these measures fail. Commonly used medications include Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, Prilosec, Propulsid, amongst many others.
The symptoms described do not suggest the presence of malignancy however a throat examination would be required to address this concern. Also, I am not certain that these symptoms have any relationship to the toxic exposure described over 1 year ago.
Other possible causes of such symptoms might include chronic tonsil inflammation, sinusitis, or possibly environmental allergy or irritants.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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