How to Diagnose a Lump in the Throat

There could be several causes for why there is a lump in the throat. One of the causes could be gatroesophageal reflux disease. Another could be post-nasal drip that comes after a cold. Another cause of a lump in the throat sensation is cricopharngeal spasm. The cricopharngeal sits just below the Adam's apple in your throat. A more serious cause could be throat cancer.

Instructions

• 1

  See a doctor. One of the first things that the doctor will do is gather your medical history. He will then send you to an otorhinolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) to be checked for abnormalities. This will be done with a small fiber optic instrument or mirror.

• 2

  Get a biopsy. A tissue sample will be tested for cancer cells. If cancer cells are present, more tests will be done. If it is caught in time, treatment will begin. If cancer isn't present, you will still need to complete some tests to determine the cause of the lump in the throat.

• 3

  Get an X-ray. One-dimensional images will be taken of the mouth, head and chest. This is to better assess the situation.

• 4

  Get a CT scan. More images of the internal organs are needed to better determine the condition.

• 5

  Get an ultrasound. If a tumor is present, this machine will give the doctors a better understanding of the shape and texture.

• 6

  If cancer was found, a positron emission tomography scan is done to show tumors on the scan. This is done by injecting the body with a small amount of radioactive tracer.