About Head and Neck Cancer

Symptoms and head and neck cancer treatment options depend upon the type of cancer, location, spread, and tissue type involved. The symptoms of these cancers can range from an unhealing, painful sore in the mouth or throat to a lump in the neck, difficulty in swallowing or hoarseness of the voice. Since these symptoms may be seen in other non-cancerous conditions as well, it is recommended that you visit your doctor or dentist for an evaluation.

Symptoms of some head and neck cancers include:

• Laryngeal cancer: Difficulty speaking, painful swallowing, and hoarseness of voice. Some people may experience difficulty in breathing.

• Oral cancer: A non-healing sore or ulcer, white or reddish patch on the cheek, tongue or gums, a growth or swelling of the jaw, ill-fitting dentures, unusual bleeding from the mouth are some signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

• Throat (pharyngeal) cancer: Pain during swallowing, pain in the neck or throat that does not reduce, ringing in the ears, and some people may have trouble hearing.

• Salivary gland: A lump or swelling under the chin or below the jawbone, numbness, tingling or paralysis of the face, pain in the face or jaw.

• Cancer of the nose or paranasal sinuses: Nasal obstruction, blocked sinuses that do not clear with routine measures, frequent headaches, bleeding from the nose, pain in the upper teeth, ill-fitting upper dentures, swelling in the eyes, and sinus infections that do not subside with medications are some common symptoms of nasal and paranasal sinus cancers.