Strangling sensation

I keep getting a strangling sensation, my neck feels swollen inside but is only slightly visible at the front. When I swallow you can see an enlargement on one lobe of thyroid. Doctors have said they can feel no lump or enlarged glands. I’ve had a sore throat for a couple of months which the last couple of weeks has gotten worse it’s on one side high up into my throat near voice box. I feel like when I’m speaking I’m putting more effort to prounounce if that makes sense, like my neck is full there. I have my ultrasound tomorrow and just really worried. Doctors keep saying they don’t suspect cancer as I’m only 33 and normal bloods but I feel like symptoms are worsening and this tight strangling feeling in neck is scary. But when I eat it’s completley fine there is no choking sensation or anything. Could anxiety be the cause? 

  • Hi Linz, so sorry to hear you're dealing with this. I'm no expert as I am still waiting for a date for my initial scan, but I know what it's like when you start worrying especially late at night so wanted to say hi! What I would say is that anxiety can make you hyper-aware and hypersensitive to any kind of sensation in the area you're worried about, and can even worsen the feeling or make you perceive it as worse. The fact you don't have any choking sensations when you eat is a plus - but the best thing is that you're getting it checked out. Others will be able to advise better than me but remember even if there is anything there, as far as I understand it the majority of thyroid issues are benign whilst most others are very treatable, so just try and take it one step at a time. Lots of luck tomorrow and I hope you get some helpful answers and some reassurance. 

  • I have this sensation also with my throat and I was diagnosed with anxiety. It could be globus sensation. Mine started when my dad wasn't very well and diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer, the shock and upset caused panic attacks and terrible anxiety which has always been in my throat. If I'm busy I don't notice it so much but when I stop or it crosses my mind I feel it so much more. I've had it for a year and a half now and I pray it will go as quick as it came. I hope your scan goes well and you get the all clear.

  • Did u ever get this sorted I'm having the same problems x

  • Hi yes I had throat camera an mri and ultrasound all were normal. It was anxiety that was causing my throat muscles to physically tighten. Soon as I got the all clear within a week I felt normal again. I could have sworn something was seriously wrong but my mind and body were playing tricks on me. Whole ordeal lasted about 9 months maybe. I hope you get sorted x