I want to clarify my points for anyone reading the above. Severe pain should always be checked. Occasional pains and other things that come and go are often described by patients post surgery and radiation. I don't want anyone to assume they should ignore anything that is a bother. On the other hand don't stress out just because something feels "different" Things will feel different and change for many years to come.

A sense of something "in the throat" is also a common complaint. Stress, anxiety, reflux (GERD), irritation by drying because of low saliva. irritation from various foods etc. can cause this sensation.

The eustation tube can suffer from radiation causing a sense of partally plugged ears and associated aches.

The sense of stuffed up nose or sinuses especially on the surgery side is also common and seems to be related to lymph or other fuid pressures, and seems to aggravate the ear sensations.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.