Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Health anxiety
Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding a throat issue that has been troubling me. I have been a smoker for the past 6 years. In 2023, I noticed small lumps on my palatopharyngeal arch and consulted an ENT specialist. I was prescribed medications, including Sporlac powder, and was told it was due to irritation. After that, I had a habit of consuming alcohol daily and frequently eating spicy and oily foods, and I used to lie down immediately after meals. I have stopped alcohol since mid-2025, but I am still unable to quit smoking. Currently, I continue to notice the lumps along with throat irritation, which is causing me significant anxiety. I am worried whether this condition is serious or could develop into cancer, and it is affecting my concentration at work. I would like your guidance on whether this is due to chronic irritation or something serious, if there is any risk of cancer. Have u treated similar cases and I need elaborate answers only. Please help me 93xxxxxx09
Answers (3)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
This is not cancer from the picture that you have shared
It is cobblestoning of posterior pharyngeal wall which occurs in case of chronic acid reflux and is exacerbated by smoking . This in turn causes throat irritation. Moreover the bacterial load in your oral cavity must also be high due to these factors. As you mentioned that your diet includes spicy oily food stuff and your habits are not ideal hence it is not decreasing .
For now you will have to reduce the smoking thing, work on your diet . Basically lifestyle modification is advisable
Increase your water intake
No to spicy and oily food
Avoid tea and coffee . Make sure you have your meals at proper times and keep at least 1.5-2 hr gap between your dinner and bedtime
Next Steps
Consult for further management
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+184
Dr. Jaimini Thakkar
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
6 yrs exp
Anand
This is not cancer.
It's granular pharyngitis.
Because of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Satguru Saran Singh
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
8 yrs exp
Bareilly
It is Granular pharengitis
Next Steps
Take consultation
Health Tips
Quit smoking
Answered
Flag this answer
1/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.