I'm a 28 year old male. Last year I was diagnosed with GERD and a Hiatal Hernia. In the past few weeks I've noticed that when I swallow I have an odd slight discomfort in my lower throat. I have no problem swallowing foods or liquids, and the pain isn't bad, it's just strange. It's felt more when I am just swallowing saliva. Back of my throat is a little red, but not too bad. I do smoke half a pack a day. I feel no strange lumps when I feel around the area, but I'm still paranoid that it's throat cancer or something. Could this be caused by my GERD?