Every now and then, you may have a medical issue that can't be easily treated by your primary care physician. At that point, your primary care physician will typically refer you to a specialist who has the experience that is specifically related to your medical issue in question. If that specialist is a throat doctor, (usually an ear, nose, and throat specialist) you may be worried about what to expect. After all, most of us do not see throat doctors on a regular basis. The throat is a part of the body that many of us don't know much about.

However, there's no need to worry. Throat doctors are qualified, well-trained specialists who can and will help you with your medical issue. Knowing what they're looking for in advance can give you a lot more insight into what to expect. Let's look into some common things throat doctors are looking for below.

1. Nasal Cavity Abnormalities

Sometimes, nasal cavities are abnormally formed due to genetic issues. While these genetic abnormalities could be completely benign, abnormalities can also be linked to cancer of the sinus cavity. According to Cancer.net, in the United States, about 2,000 people a year are diagnosed with nasal cavity cancer or parasinal nasal cancer. These cancers are more common in older people, with about four out of five people diagnosed with the condition being 55 years old or older. Though it can be difficult to deal with this cancer, it's certainly not impossible to treat, and catching it early is key.

2. Lumps

Another thing doctors look for is lumps. Lumps on the throat can be linked to a variety of issues. They could be connected to tumors, thyroid issues, or infections, especially if they are located around the lymph nodes. Any lumps around the throat should be seen by a throat doctor and diagnosed quickly.

3. Chronic Sore Throat

A chronic sore throat is one of the main reasons why people see throat doctors. Though a variety of conditions could theoretically be connected to this issue, often tonsillitis is the cause. A tonsillectomy is often prescribed as the cure, due to the fact that the tonsils are unnecessary and susceptible to infection. In some cases, a chronic sore throat is connected to other issues, and a throat doctor can help navigate this.

Don't be afraid of the throat doctor. If you've noticed anything unusual, don't wait to get in contact with a throat doctor. Make your appointment as soon as you have a concern to avoid making things worse.