Throat soreness, or esophagitis, is when the throat becomes inflamed and swollen. This is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the chest. It’s even more common in people who receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the same time. 

The specific signs and symptoms of throat soreness caused by lung cancer treatment can include: 

• Trouble swallowing
• A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
• Throat pain
• Burning feeling in the neck and/or chest

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can all irritate the lining of your throat and cause soreness with swallowing. When these treatments are combined, it can worsen these effects. 

Throat soreness due to radiation therapy occurs because nearby tissues, such as the throat, also receive radiation and can become inflamed and sore. This often occurs around 2 to 3 weeks after your first treatment and tends to resolve 2 to 4 weeks after your last radiation treatment. High doses of radiation can cause more severe soreness than low doses.  

Chemotherapy can also cause throat soreness because it irritates the lining of certain tissues in the body called mucous membranes. Your throat is made of mucous membranes, which puts them at risk of irritation and soreness. Symptoms of throat soreness due to chemotherapy can begin a few days after treatment begins.  

Other lung cancer treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, can also cause a sore throat. Soreness from these treatments can take weeks or months to occur. 

Your healthcare team can talk to you about ways to manage throat soreness. This may include medications for pain, how to prepare meals, and what foods are best to eat.

Practical tips:

• Eat soft, smooth, or wet foods.  
• Take small bites and chew your food very well before you swallow.  
• Avoid eating spicy, citrus, or acidic foods.  
• Avoid alcohol.  
• Stay away from smoky places. If you smoke, try to cut back. Your healthcare team can help.  
• Try cold foods or foods that are only slightly warm.  
• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big meals. 

Ask your healthcare team about pain relievers such as lozenges, throat sprays, or prescription mouthwash. Use them before you eat to numb your throat and reduce discomfort. 

Throat soreness is serious if it prevents you from drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated or eating enough food to ensure good nutrition. Maintaining your weight, getting proper nutrition, and drinking plenty of fluids are vital to keeping your body healthy and functioning at its best during lung cancer treatment. 

Call a member of your healthcare team right away if you’re having trouble eating or drinking due to a sore throat.