Lump or Lump feeling in throat, Throat or Esophageal cancer possibility?

Question

I am 20 years old. Will be 21 in december. I have the feeling of a lump in my throat. I feel a lump or sensation of a lump when I eat, drink, and swallow. My neck was tender to the touch a few days ago. Now it just feels like I have something in my throat. I have felt the lump feeling for months now, hasn't grown or anything. Sometimes I don't feel it. Sometimes i feel it more than other times.

If it helps any. I have never smoked in my life. Don't drink at all. No family history of cancer. But I am concerned because it is irritating.

I plan on seeing a doctor who will hopefully send me to an ENT after this long weekend. But i am hoping to get some opinions from knowledgable people. Thank you.

Answer 1

See an ENT - my throat is swollen from past surgeries and it feels just like that - you could just have some swelling from some cold or flu, from allergies, or from using your vocal chords incorrectly.  It may be something serious and that's why you should have it checked out, but it doesn't seem likely - it sounds pretty simple.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You should see the doctor just to be sure nothing is going on.  But given your age and lack of smoking history, my guess is it is something simple like a globus sensation.  Globus sensation is the feeling of a lump in the throat when there actually isn't anything there.  It isn't cancer and really isn't anything you need to worry about.  Acid reflux is a common cause.  You can see more about by hitting the link below that will take you to a page in the Merck Manual.

Answer 3

Are you having any other symptoms? Dont be negative-it could be something really simple-Have you had your tonsils out? Any history of thyroid problems? May even be an allergy to a food since it comes and goes. See your dr asap so you can get some peace of mind!