Head and Neck Cancer: Key Symptoms and Warning Signs

Head and neck cancers affect the tissues of the mouth, throat, sinuses, and surrounding areas. They can impact crucial functions like breathing, swallowing, and talking. There are several types of head and neck cancer, with nuanced symptoms. Noticing these symptoms and reporting them to your healthcare provider early can improve your treatment outcomes.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms A wide variety of less-serious conditions can mimic head and neck cancer symptoms. A sore throat that doesn’t improve is the most common symptom of head and neck cancers, and should be taken seriously.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4fd63c1-9ba3-4caa-b87e-1bfa491b1e4c Other head and neck cancer symptoms may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bf968713-e58d-4293-b1b4-96c19c1f5855 A lump in the neck, jaw, or mouth Swelling under the chin or jawbone Sores or red or white patches in the mouth or the throat that won’t heal Difficulty or pain when swallowing Pain in the upper teeth or problems with dentures Pain in the face, neck, or chin that does not go away Unexpected paralysis of the face muscles An unexplained change in the voice or hoarseness Ear pain or hearing loss Frequent headaches Other less-common symptoms of head or neck cancer can include frequent earaches and a chronic sinus infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics. Issues with the mouth, including unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth or tongue could be signs of head or neck cancer.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer Types Head and neck cancers are categorized according to where the disease originates in the head and neck region. Most begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d22120e-5503-4b09-ba31-5f1def600325 Types of head and neck cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762928a52827-0bbd-4922-9129-682c654a18d9 Oral Cancer Oral cancer develops in the mouth and may affect the lips, tongue, cheek, and the floor or roof of the mouth. It’s one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297a900af0-bf44-4ba9-83f4-431a7f22ccb6 Oropharyngeal Cancer This type of cancer occurs in the oropharynx , or the middle section of the throat. It may include the base of the tongue, tonsils, and back of the throat. Nasopharyngeal Cancer This rare type of cancer occurs in the nasopharynx , behind the nose and back of the throat. It’s often diagnosed in later stages. Hypopharyngeal Cancer This cancer forms in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat surrounding the larynx (voice box). Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer These uncommon cancers occur in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Salivary Gland Cancer This rare cancer occurs in the salivary glands , including those near the mouth and jaw. It has multiple subtypes. Tonsil Cancer This is a subtype of oropharyngeal cancer that affects the tonsils and is often linked to HPV infection or tobacco use. The National Cancer Institute notes that cancer in other nearby areas, including the brain, the eye, the esophagus, the thyroid gland, and the skin of the head and neck are not usually classified as head and neck cancers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a175301d-ae5f-430e-9f5e-b46e0ccfe29f
When to See a Doctor Doctor’s Visits Detecting cancer early often leads to more successful treatment outcomes, so you don’t want to ignore any sign of a potential head and neck cancer. Although symptoms of head and neck cancer could be caused by many other things, if you have any of them, especially a chronic sore throat or a new lump in the head or neck, it’s important to ask your doctor about the possibility of cancer. You should also talk to your dentist about any issues with your mouth besides your teeth, including pain, swelling, or unexplained bleeding, that could be signs of cancer or other problems.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f0086d15-c5b4-4259-b4ae-2b022337069c Your doctor is likely to examine the head and neck area to feel for abnormalities and may use mirrors and lights inside the mouth and throat to explore areas that are harder to see. Blood or urine tests may also be performed. If your doctor or dentist thinks there is a possibility of head or neck cancer, you may be referred to a specialist like an otolaryngologist for a more comprehensive examination.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293c317ca6-14fd-42b8-8974-099928e96cb2 Some common tools for helping diagnose head and neck cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ed49f5c9-0101-48f7-bcca-8727de91966a Endoscopy This thin lighted tube with a camera at the tip can help a doctor explore areas of the head and neck, including the sinuses, that are harder to reach. Diagnostic Imaging A radiologist can take images of your throat that may include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, or an X-ray called a Panorex (panoramic radiograph) that shows the upper and lower jaw and the sinuses. Biopsy A surgeon may remove a small amount of tissue from an area where cancer is suspected. A pathologist examines the sample and consults with team members to make a diagnosis. If there is a diagnosis of cancer, your doctor will consult with you to determine the best options for treating the cancer, based on its location and how far it has progressed.
The Takeaway Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that develop in the tissues of the head and neck, including the mouth, throat, sinuses, and salivary glands. Early detection of head and neck cancer is crucial for better outcomes, and symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for those of other conditions. Common signs include persistent lumps, sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and unexplained pain. If you notice these signs and symptoms, especially sore throat or a new lump in the head or neck, talk to your doctor immediately.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: What is mouth cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains Cancer Care: Coping With Oral and Head and Neck CancerHead and Neck Cancer Alliance: Oral, Head & Neck Self-Exam GuideSupport for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer: Find a Local Chapter Near YouMemorial Sloan Kettering: Resources for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors



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