Essentially I have had throat pain for an extended period of time. It's a minor pain when swallowing but noticeable; further more it's tender to the touch when pressed. When I press my finger and apply the same amount of pressure to the left side of my throat it isn't tender. Also note I've chewed tobacco for 7yrs. And have to take Zantac heartburn pills twice daily or else my day and night will be torture with heart burn. Is the tenderness due to heart burn or is this a sign of cancer?