Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer
Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer
In addition to physical signs of head and neck cancer, like tumors, these cancers often cause symptoms that are similar to less serious conditions, like the common cold. Changes in voice, headaches, sore throat or a cough may be symptoms of throat cancers. Pain or ringing in the ears may also accompany certain head and neck cancers. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor.
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm (mucus discharged in mouth from respiratory passages)
- Dentures that no longer fit
- Difficulty breathing
- Double vision
- Ear and/or jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene
- Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Loosening of teeth
- Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area (with or without pain)
- Nasal obstruction or persistent nasal congestion
- Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head and neck region
- Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue
- Persistent sore throat
- Red or white patch in the mouth
- Swelling or sore that does not heal (the most common symptom)
- Unexplained weight loss
People who notice any warning signs should talk with a doctor and/or dentist right away. Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. When detected early, cancers of the head and neck have a much better chance of cure. Because many of these symptoms can be caused by other, noncancerous health conditions, as well, it is important to receive regular health and dental screenings. This is particularly important for people who routinely drink alcohol or currently use tobacco products or have used them in the past.
In fact, people who use alcohol or tobacco should receive a general screening examination at least once a year. This is a simple, quick procedure in which the doctor looks in the nose, mouth, and throat for abnormalities and feels for lumps in the neck. If anything unusual is found, the doctor will recommend a more extensive examination using one or more of the procedures mentioned in the Diagnosis section. If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.
Symptoms and Signs of Head and Neck Cancer