My dad (56 yrs. old) has had a lump in his throat for the past three months. It doesn't hurt him in any way, but he feels it. It is sometimes hard for him to swallow food or liquids. He has been to many doctors about it, but I don't think they know what they are talking about. I don't know what to do because he has no insurance, and I want to be reassured that it isn't cancerous. I've looked all over the internet and have only found one explanation, Cricopharyngeal Spasm. It sounds like this is what he has which is caused by tons of stress. I've read the symptoms that matches my dad's symptoms, and so I've told him to follow the suggestions to reduce the lump in his throat. Nothing has worked, and now I'm scared that it could mean something more. Can anyone help??? Please! I don't know what to do or who to talk to. Does anyone know of any doctors who I can take my dad to? Does anyone even know what his problem is? Please...someone help us.

Levy you must proceed your father's work up in an ENT department . Our step wise approach is :
1-History and complete physical examination (...looking to the hypopharynx and larynx with mirror...)
2-Seeking for cancer risk factors such as ; age , cigar , alcohol & . . .
3-Depending on the above findings : Barium swallow , Neck HRCT or MRI .
4-Regarding to the results of step 3 ; we choice (A) medical treatment and referal to a gastroentrologist , (B) Follow up and reassurance , (C) Continue with rigid pharyngoesophagoscopy and biopsy .
I hope there is no problem with your father .

Is it a lump he can feel by hand? Does he still have his tonsils? It very well be a condition called "dysphagia". Look it up on google.

Good luck!

Probably, it will be OK. But your story gives me the willies because thats EXACTLY how I started out. Lump in throat - can't swallow it; can't spit it out. It took various doctor visits to finally find out it was Lymphoma. Any itching? Night sweats? Weight loss?
Check this site for the best info and to see if your Dad has any other warning signs:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Best wishes

Could it be cancer, sure, is it cancer, most likely not. The reason I say this is because they would have sent him for more tests, they don't want to be sued for missing something either. It could be a goiter caused from a thyroid problem. Stop self medicating on the internet, the internet is not a doctor nor can it diagnose you. Many things on the internet are rubbish but nervous people turn there every time they are frightened or they don't like their physicians answers. The internet has some sites that are very good and others that you shouldn't even look at. If you are in the US your dad might be able to receive charity care if he doesn't have much money. Relax and check to see if he qualifys for some sort of assistance. Not everything is cancer.

well if more than one doctor said it was not cancer then you might be over reacting, if it is caused by stress then it shouldn't harm him so don't worry about it!!

doctors are educated people and they know hat there talking about ... tho u can get a second opinion if you would like .... failing that if the diagnosis is wrong you can sue you re doc for negligence because if it is cancer the cancer would have had time to spread....