HEAD AND NECK CANCER

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Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer.

The term “Head and Neck Cancer” is applied to cancers in the mouth, throat, salivary glands, thyroid gland, nose and sinuses, and advanced cancers of the skin of the face. These cancers often spread to the lymph nodes (or “glands”) in the neck.

Patients with head and neck cancer often present when the tumour is quite advanced.

The symptoms caused by these cancers vary, depending on where the cancer arises.

The most common symptoms are –

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      - a painless lump in the neck or in front of the ear.

      - a lump or ulcer in the mouth, for example, on the tongue, gum, or inside the cheek.

      - a persistent white or red patch in the mouth.

      - a one-sided sore throat which can be associated with earache.

      - pain or difficulty with swallowing.

      - a hoarse voice, especially in a smoker.

      - difficult or noisy breathing.

      - a lump or sore on the face.

      - numbness or weakness on one side of the face.

      - one sided blocked nose with bleeding.

Many less serious conditions (apart from cancer) can cause these symptoms, but if they persist for more than 3 weeks, you should consult your doctor.