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This is a common reason for referral to ENT specialists. Patients are understandably worried that they may have cancer and this only exacerbates their symptoms.

Key questions:
Do you feel the lump when eating or drinking?
Does food get stuck anywhere?

If there is no true dysphagia (food or drink does not get stuck), and the symptoms seem to disappear on eating or drinking, the diagnosis is globus pharyngeus.
This is due to cricopharyngeal muscle spasm which produces a sensation of a lump. This muscle relaxes with the swallowing reflex and explains why the symptoms disappears on eating. The condition occurs typically (but no exclusively) in women in their 30’s and 40’s.

Commonly found associated features include oesophageal reflux and thyroid enlargement. Detailed examination of the aerodigestive tract by nasendoscopy or indirect laryngoscopy is necessary to exclude any other pathology and helps to reassure the patient.

Management:
Reassurance is usually all that is necessary.
Treatment of oesophageal reflux, if present.
If the history is not typical then a contrast swallow is indicated to exclude other serious pathlogy.