Major Throat Cancer Symptoms

Ear Pain

The most common type of throat cancer is oropharyngeal cancer. This type can affect the base of the tongue, soft palate, front wall of the throat, tonsils, and back walls of the throat. Oropharyngeal cancer occurs when repeated damage to the throat tissues induces a process referred to as carcinogenesis. Mutations in the DNA of the damaged cells can cause them to grow quickly and divide out of control. This malfunction causes the formation of a mass or tumor in the throat. The inner ear and other structures within the ear sit close to the throat tissues. When a tumor grows large enough in the throat tissues, it can cause nerves in the area of the ear to become compressed and irritated. These irritated or compressed nerves cause the transmission of pain signals the brain interprets as coming from the general area of the ear.

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