Serious illnesses can sometimes go unnoticed due to their misleading symptoms. We all have heard horror stories of people going in for a routine checkups, turning into a deadly diagnosis. One such symptom that may seem normal but could be a sign of a fatal disease is a sore throat. Experts warn that this common and recurrent heath issue could actually be a warning sign of a deadly cancer. It is recommended to see a doctor if the symptom persists and it "doesn't go away." According to the Cancer Center, a cough that persists for more than three to four weeks needs to be checked out. Usually, symptoms like sore throat go away withing a day or two, hence several weeks of coughing should be a cause of alarm. Is Sore Throat A Cause Of Concern? A sore throat is something many people get now and then. It's often linked to common sicknesses like colds and the flu. So, usually, it's nothing to worry about but, if a sore throat sticks around for more than three weeks or longer, it needs to be checked out because it could mean tonsil cancer – a type of mouth cancer. Over 10,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, says the Mouth Cancer Foundation. Almost one out of every four of those mouth cancers started in the tonsils. Signs of Tonsil Cancer Symptoms of tonsil cancer can include pain and difficulty with swallowing, a hoarse voice, and discomfort in the ear. A persistent sore throat that does not resolve could also be an indicator of the disease. It is important to note that any unusual symptom that has lasted for more than three weeks is examined by a doctor. Although tonsil cancer is not common, early detection is crucial for improving the chances of successful treatment if it is indeed cancer. Tonsil cancer is a type of head and neck cancer affecting the two glands located at the back of the throat. Other symptoms of this disease can include a painless lump in the neck. Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, can increase the risk. Furthermore, infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) can also be a cause. If individuals experience any of these symptoms and doctors suspect cancer, a series of health examinations are recommended. According to Cancer Research UK, these tests may involve using a small mirror to look at the back of the throat and checking for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. How Is Tonsil Cancer Treated? The only definitive way to diagnose cancer is through a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample from the abnormal area. Doctors may also test the cancer cells for the presence of HPV infection. Treatment for tonsil cancer may include surgical procedures, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs. Individuals who experience any symptoms of tonsil cancer should consult their general practitioner.