Signs Of Throat Cancer: Former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin Undergoing Tests

Legendary football player Michael Irvin announced Tuesday he was undergoing tests for throat cancer after dealing with persistent throat issues for almost two months.

The former Dallas Cowboys star took to Instagram, asking for prayers. Irvin posted a photo of himself and said he spent the past two days at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles undergoing testing after experiencing trouble with his voice.

“This past football season after the @dallascowboys beat the @Saints I was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost 2months. After visiting some of the best throat Doctors they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation. So we schedule and performed a throat biopsy,” he said.

Irvin added he was scared that he might have throat cancer as his father died after a battle with the disease at the age of 51.

“This daemon has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life. So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!! ” he said.

According to SportsDay's David Moore, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was informed about Irvin’s health at the NFL's annual meeting in Arizona on Tuesday.

"I'll talk to him immediately. That’s very concerning. Very,” Jones said.

Throat cancer refers to a cancerous tumor that grows in organs that help a person swallow and speak. Cancer of the larynx (voice box) and the pharynx (section of the throat behind the nose) are the most common types of throat cancers in the United States.

The early signs of throat cancer depend on the location of the cancer. The most common early symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, change in voice, long-lasting cough, a lump in the neck, bleeding in the mouth and unexplained weight loss.

Though the specific cause of throat cancer remains unknown, using tobacco for long time, drinking too much alcohol and the sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus could increase the risk of developing the disease, the Medical News Today reported.

Early diagnosis of throat cancer increases the survival chances. A biopsy and imaging tests including MRI and PET scans are conducted if symptoms suggest throat cancer. The treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy to remove the cancer cells. The treatment can have side-effects including tiredness, pain and memory problems in some cases.