
A sore throat can be a sign of serious throat or laryngeal cancer, according to oncologists. Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent throat ache could be early signs of cancer. Laryngeal cancer affects the voice box, while throat cancer may involve the pharynx or other structures. Early detection can be achieved with minimally invasive surgery or targeted radiation, preserving speech and swallowing. However, as the disease progresses, surgery can become more aggressive, potentially requiring removal of the voice box.