Lump in throat? - Cancer Message Board

profpo31 · 01-31-2005, 04:10 PM

This one thing is one thing that scares me...in the back of my throat and further down my throat, it constantly feels like there is something in there, but there isn't. The doctors have felt my neck for lumps and have looked down my throat for anything suspicious and haven't found anything, but it does feel like there's a lump in my throat and it has me worried. I have heard it could be acid reflux (which I don't think I have) or stress (which I definitely do have). What does this sound like to everyone? I have a fear that this could be a sign of throat cancer or something along those lines, but I feel that doctors would have noticed swelling when feeling my neck for lumps or what looking at my throat. I have been to the doctors several times for this, should I go back again or have faith in their diagnosis and relieve some of the stress that could be causing this? What should I look for to figure out what is going on? Unfortunately, symptoms of something have been going on for about two months, constantly changing.

nancy1234 · 01-31-2005, 04:47 PM

i have suffered from the same thing on and off for years and like you have had various tests. i have globus hystericus. it feels like a lump in the throat but it is tightening of the muscles. from what i have read it is an anxiety thing usually caused by sadness. hope this helps

profpo31 · 01-31-2005, 06:25 PM

I recently had both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy done for what i believed were digestive problems. If there were signs of the beginnings of throat cancer or anything bad like that, would the doctor have seen this during the endoscopy?

madera74 · 02-02-2005, 01:40 PM

Hi profpro.. Does it feel sort of like if you swallowed a pill without enough water, and it's stuck in your throat? I'm a 30 y.o. F and have been experiencing something like that for the past several weeks. I don't have any pain, no sore throat or swelling as far as I can tell. My sinuses have been acting up a bit so I have just been riding it out thinking maybe my throat is dry or the sinus drainage is irritating it a bit. When I have looked up this symptom online, results overwhelmingly say that it is usually a result of GERD (acid reflux) or anxiety. I don't have GERD, but have been having some anxiety lately. And like you, it's a new symptom for me and if it is anxiety-induced then worrying about it and what it could potentially be only exacerbates the problem. Since you have already seen a doctor, I would have faith in their diagnosis - just give it some time, try to reduce your stress and not think about it. After awhile if you still have it or it's worse or different, maybe follow up and have it checked out again. I haven't been to a dr. yet but will probably go to put my mind at ease if this sensation does not go away soon, but in the meantime I'm trying not to dwell on it. As it is, I think I'm noticing it more because I'm dwelling on it and am so aware every time I swallow. Good luck, and try to relax.. I'm sure you're fine!
And p.s. I do think your dr would have noticed an abnormality during an endoscopy.

lost_angel · 02-04-2005, 08:49 PM

i too have the lump in the throat problem
i found out its caused by my sternaclydamastoids and my trapezius muscles
i even get where my tonsils prickle and burn and i have ear problems caused by the tightening of these muscles
hope that helps
lost_angel