leibesleid

My girlfriend was a smoker for 6 years. 4 months ago she cut back to an average of 1 cigarette a day. Now shes at about 1 every other day(or just when she is super stressed and "needs" one). She says that a lot of times when she smokes now, she gets this pain on the inside of her throat just below the ear. She says when she inhales it feels really cold in that one spot, like there is cold air being blown on it. She also says it hurts a little when she pushes on the outside of the area too.
Any idea of what this could be?? Could it be cancer? Or is this feeling a part of the healing process?
Please reply.