Peter, congrats on finding us, we are all a bunch of awesome, strong, giving, and knowedgeable people who have joined this community. That being said...I think you probably don't have throat cancer, but my advise to you is to find a good ENT Dr. who can scope you and possibly do a biopsy. I say this because of the alcohol use you described. I dont know if anyone has told you, you have learned it in the media, or just have a gut feeling, but alcohol is the worst of all the addictions. In fact... It's 1 of only 2 drug types that withdrawl from can kill you. Of coarse there is a chance that you have some type of cancer but my gut tells me it,s more like some kind of esophageal varices from drinking. Do you drink hard alcohol...the stronger the better? Me too. I would suspect that,s what it's from. Just tell the Doc about it, let them take the steps to check you out, and take the Summer without booze. I suspect you will get fantastic news along with a clear head and a great Summer. You watch... This will be "the Summer of Peter"... Keep us posted. WZ