Throat discomfort- Is this cancer?

[hope_exist]

I recently went through the breast cancer treatment.  Cancer cell was successfully killed and finished 5 weeks of radiation treatment as well.  While I started radiation treatment, I started feeling throat discomfort, not so severe though.  It is not the soar throat that I feel when I have cold.  When I swallow air or drink, I feel a bit discomfort, yet this is depend on my neck position.  If I am looking down, I do not feel any discomfort.  My neck has been stiff, so I am thinking that could be the reason for my discomfort.  Since I just went through the breast cancer, I am worried that this could be another cancer.  My lymph nodes test came back clear, but should I go to see a doctor for this?  Do I have a chance to have cancer on my throat/neck?

Hope Exist

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Radiation therapy has its own side effects.You may discuss with your physician the possibility of radiation therapy causing your neck stiffness.

Cancer usually causes a mass effect on surrounding structures which may lead to pain in swallowing,inabilty to swallow solids or liquids, hoarseness,difficulty of breathing.Do you expeirence these?

I suggest you seek consult with an ENT specialist for a complete assessment  to allay your worries and fears.

Keep us posted for anything.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you been over extending your neck lately?

Any recent change in your sleeping position, bought new pillows or chair?

The neck stiffness may also be caused by prolonged position that may cause stress on the cervical spine and neck muscles.

No viral infections? Or pain when swallowing?

Good luck with your ENT assessment and do keep us posted.

[hope_exist]

Thank you very much for your response.  I do not have a severe pain, hoarseness, nor difficulty of breathing.  It is a tolerable discomfort.  I guess that is why I have not gone to see a doctor yet, but because of the fact that I just went through cancer treatment, I worry about another cancer.

My radiation doctor does not think there is any relation between the radiation treatment and neck stiffness.

I will try to go to see an ENT specialist to see what is going on.

Thank you again.

hope_exist