Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develops in the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract (lips, tongue, mouth, throat, and larynx or voice box) or the sinuses and nasal cavity. Most head and neck malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas because they arise from the squamous cells that line these tubes and cavities.
Head and Neck Cancers are the most common cancers in developing countries. Also, they are more common in men compared to women.
Using tobacco or alcohol increases your risk. In fact, around 75% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco. Infection with HPV is a risk factor for some head and neck cancers.
People with head and neck cancer often experience the following symptoms or signs
- Sore in mouth or tongue that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patch on gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Swelling neck, jaw, or side of the face
- Frequent headaches and sinus infections
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and speaking
- Persistent earaches
- Blood in saliva or bleeding through the nose or in the mouth
If you are worried about any changes you are experiencing, please consult your doctor. Your doctor may perform some tests to confirm the disease. You can consult Dr. Deepak Singla to get effective treatment. He is a qualified head and neck cancer specialist in Panchkula. So, contact him to get the right cure for your disease.
The symptoms of head and neck cancers can vary depending on the specific location of the cancer within the head and neck region. However, there are some common symptoms that may indicate the presence of these cancers. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but if they persist, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation.
1. Oral Cavity Cancer
Sores in the Mouth: Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within a few weeks.
White or Red Patches: Areas of white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth.
Lumps or Thickening: A lump or thickening in the cheek, gums, or other parts of the mouth.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing: Pain or difficulty while chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw.
Numbness: Numbness or loss of feeling in any part of the mouth.
Unexplained Bleeding: Bleeding in the mouth without any apparent cause.
Loose Teeth: Teeth becoming loose or dentures not fitting properly without an obvious reason.
2. Pharyngeal Cancer (Throat)
Sore Throat: A persistent sore throat that does not go away.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Pain or difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
Ear Pain: Pain in the ear that persists, particularly if it is on one side and does not improve with treatment.
Lump in the Neck: Swelling or a lump in the neck, which may indicate lymph node involvement.
Voice Changes: Hoarseness or other changes in the voice that persist.
Coughing Up Blood: Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) can be a symptom of advanced cancer.
Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss, particularly if accompanied by difficulty swallowing or loss of appetite.
3. Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box)
Hoarseness: Persistent hoarseness or voice changes, particularly if lasting more than two weeks.
Sore Throat: A sore throat or feeling of something caught in the throat that does not go away.
Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or noisy breathing (stridor).
Persistent Cough: A chronic cough that does not improve with treatment.
Ear Pain: Persistent pain in the ear, especially if it is associated with difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck.
4. Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Nasal Blockage or Congestion: Persistent nasal blockage or congestion, especially on one side.
Nosebleeds: Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds.
Facial Pain or Swelling: Pain or swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes or cheeks.
Double Vision: Vision changes, including double vision or a bulging eye (proptosis).
Reduced Sense of Smell: A reduced or lost sense of smell.
Frequent Infections: Recurring sinus infections that do not respond to treatment.
5. Salivary Gland Cancer
Lump or Swelling: A painless lump or swelling near the jaw, under the chin, or in the neck.
Numbness or Weakness: Numbness in part of the face or facial muscle weakness, especially on one side.
Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue.
Pain: Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland.
6. Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasal Blockage: Persistent nasal congestion or blockage, particularly on one side.
Nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds, particularly from one nostril.
Hearing Loss: Hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or ear infections, particularly in one ear.
Neck Lump: Swelling or a lump in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes.
Headaches: Persistent headaches, particularly at the back of the head.
Facial Numbness: Numbness or weakness in the face, often on one side.
7. Symptoms of Advanced Head and Neck Cancers
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unintentional weight loss.
Fatigue: Persistent fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell.
Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing if the cancer obstructs the airway.
Coughing Up Blood: Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum.
Bone Pain: Pain in bones if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to bones.
These symptoms can often be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as infections or allergies. However, if any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and potential early diagnosis. Early detection of head and neck cancers significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.