In most cases, the signs below typically disappear within a few weeks. However, if they persist, you should see a doctor.
As winter approaches, colds and flu become more prevalent. A few sneezes and coughs are usually nothing to worry about. But in some cases, if cold-like symptoms last too long, they may be signs of something more serious.
According to the charity Cancer Research UK, approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with various types of head and neck cancers each year in the UK. This group of diseases affects the mouth, nose, and throat but remains relatively vague for millions of people in the UK.
Dr. Jiri Kubes, medical director at Proton Therapy UK, states that head and neck cancers are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms are similar to those of a cold.
He says: “Constant ear congestion and chronic ear pain may be signs of cancer in and around that area.“
“Swelling in a part of the neck or discomfort when touching the neck area may also indicate something is wrong.”
“A sore throat lasting more than two weeks or any changes in voice or hoarseness should be checked out.”
Illustration of cold-like signs that could signal cancer if prolonged. (Graphic: The Sun/Translated by Thi Anh)
Here are the cold-like symptoms that need attention if they persist:
1. Sore Throat
We all experience a sore throat at some point. It can cause itching, difficulty swallowing, and even an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), a sore throat is often a symptom of pharyngitis, the common cold, allergies, or upper respiratory tract infections like the flu.
However, persistent pain in the throat is one of the most common symptoms of throat cancer. Other signs of throat cancer include cough, voice changes, ear pain, and difficulty swallowing.
2. Swelling in the Neck
A slightly swollen or painful neck is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu. You may feel soft lumps on either side of the neck.
According to the NHS, in cases of common infections, these swollen lymph nodes typically shrink within one to two weeks. If they last longer than two weeks, they may indicate something more serious, such as blood cancer (leukemia) or lymphoma.
This is particularly likely if these nodes are painless and appear to be increasing in size.
Other signs of leukemia include fever, chills, frequent infections, easy bruising, and recurrent nosebleeds.
Signs of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, fatigue, night sweats, and itching.
In cases of common infections, any swollen lymph nodes should shrink within one to two weeks.
3. Sores
Oral sores are very common and usually heal within a week. They typically appear inside the mouth, on the cheeks, lips, or tongue.
According to the NHS, they can be triggered by various factors, such as food allergies, and in some cases, cancer—especially if they do not go away.
Sores are the most common symptom of oral cancer. Other signs include weight loss, speech difficulties, mouth pain, and bad breath.
4. Ear Congestion
Ear congestion is a common sign of a cold. It usually occurs when the Eustachian tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes inflamed.
The NHS states that a less common cause of ear congestion is a rare type of cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which affects the area of the throat connecting the back of the nose to the back of the mouth.
Individuals with this condition may experience ear pain, facial swelling, pus and blood from the nose, swollen lymph nodes, and recurrent nosebleeds.
Ear congestion is a common sign of a cold.
5. Hoarseness
Voice changes are often a sign of laryngitis—when the larynx or vocal cords in the throat become irritated or swollen. This condition can cause you to become hoarse and have difficulty breathing or may even cause you to lose your voice completely.
However, if the hoarseness persists for more than three weeks, it may be a sign of laryngeal cancer, as mentioned above.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you have any of the above symptoms that do not improve after three weeks. It is rare for these symptoms to be caused by head or neck cancer, but it’s best to get checked out, the NHS explains.
