This is for the 13 year old that thinks they have throat cancer... 75% of throat or any other head and neck cancer is caused by drinking and smoking. Another 20% are over the age of 40. And when it comes down to a 13 year old who does not drink or smoke I think your chances are 1% and that is out of millions of people. So don't worry about it, I am 23 and I smoke and drink and have for a long time, I also thought I had throat cancer turns out I have acid reflux and I grind my teeth at night. Started taking prevacid and got a bite gaurd and all the symptoms went away.

And about the self-esteem issue I think you are right on the money on that one.