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What Causes A Lump Like Sensation At Back Of Throat?

Posted on Sun, 6 Sep 2015

Question: Hi, I am a 51yo male and have the sensation of a lump in the back of the throat when I swallow. I am concerned whether this may be HPV cancer related. I first noticed the sensation about 3 months ago after excessive use of my voice. The lump did feel as though it was somehow related to my strained voice. The problem lessened for a while but has now recurred. My ENT specialist placed a tube camera down my nose for a look, saw a small amount of bleeding at e bottom of the vbox, but couldn't go deep enough. He recommended voice trying and an endoscopy. I have been reading about HPV cancer and am concerned about this issue. What are my chances that this could be cancer or something serious? I have also suffered from intermittent reflux in the past which I have controlled with proton inhibitors. Endoscopy 5years ago was clear.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
probably reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

All the symptoms you have mentioned, the prior history and ent findings suggest reflux sore throat. Some bleeding can be due to the camera irritating the sore mucosa. Possibility of other serious causes should be ruled out but I don't think this is cancer.

I think you should try PPI therapy side by side. If there is good relief then reflux is the culprit.

Hope this helps. I will be available for further follow up.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)

Thanks. Is it wise to rush to get the endiscopy, or can it wait 2-3 weeks. Have a very busy schedule just at the moment. Is it worth getting an HPV16 saliva test?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it can wait

Detailed Answer:
I don't think that 2 weeks will make any difference. You can wait it out.

HPV testing is unlikely to help in this scenario.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (21 hours later)

Proton pump inhibitor tablets and anti-inflamatory tablets both seem to be giving me good relief on this issue -even my voice feels better. Could this mean that reflux is the culprit here? If so, I am extremely happy! Is it pissible that the teflux lso affected my voicebox??a

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes probably it is

Detailed Answer:
Reflux can also affect voicebox but more commonly it is the throat which is causing these problems.

Treatment remains the same.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar