Signs of Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common problems which is faced by people all over the world. Getting a timely treatment can help the patient to live a normal life and recovery also goes smoothly. In this guide, we are going to mention in detail the signs of neck and head cancer.
Given below are the different categories and signs of different neck and head cancer shared by our cancer doctor:
- Mouth Cancer
This is the most common kind of neck and head cancer. This can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof, or floor of the mouths & gums. The mouth cancer signs and symptoms are the lump formation in the mouth and persistent ulcers.
In case, you are experiencing these signs for a long time then make sure you visit the cancer hospital right away.
- Throat cancer
This cancer includes the oropharynx, hypopharynx, windpipe, and back throat. Its most common symptom is a sore throat or pump throat.
- Nose and sinus cancer
This cancer includes sinusitis, blocked nose, nosebleeds, common cold, and sense of smell is reduced.
- Salivary Gland cancer
The common symptom of the salivary gland is swelling or lump in the neck, mouth or jaw. But, these lumps are not cancerous. With the symptoms, these can be numbness on the face.
- Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is the cancer of the larynx and the symptoms include noisy breathing, cough, not able to swallow and voice changes.
What are the general signs and symptoms of neck and head cancer?
Not able to move the Jaw
The tumor in nerves, muscles, and bones of the jaw makes it difficult to open the jaw.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Cancer can result in the burning sensation while chewing and swallowing the food. It might seem like the food is stuck in the throat.
Pain or weakness in the face
The pain and discomfort are persistent and this is more common in the mouth or salivary gland.
Speech problem
Your voice can be huskier and the person will have a cold all the time. Also, the speech can be affected.
Neck Pain
In the front of the neck, there can be a swelling or painless lump.
Not able to breathe
In the case of sinus cancer, the patient can have nasal congestion along with nosebleeds.
Red or white patch in the mouth
In the mouth, the person can have abnormal-looking white patches which are known as leukoplakia and red patches are known as erythroplakia.
Additional symptoms
- Persistent Foul mouth odor
- Persistent cough with blood
- Lump formation in the head or neck area
- Nasal congestion or nasal obstruction
- Noisy breathing
- Globus sensation
- Neuropathic pain
- Non-healing ulcer in either head or neck region
- Weakness in head and neck region
- Sensory changes
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
