Head and neck cancer can cause symptoms like persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, or a sore that doesn’t heal. It may also lead to unexplained weight loss or lumps in the neck.
The symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary depending on the area affected, such as the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, or larynx. In many cases, these symptoms are mistaken for common conditions like infections or irritation, which can delay diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. If any of these symptoms persist, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:
1. Persistent throat or mouth pain
This pain does not improve over time or with common medications. It may feel like constant irritation or a sensation of something stuck in the throat when swallowing.
2. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or breathing
A tumor in the throat, larynx, or base of the tongue can make it harder for food or air to pass. This may cause pain when swallowing or a choking sensation, especially while eating or talking.
3. Hoarseness or voice changes
When cancer affects the larynx, it can cause changes in the voice. Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.
4. Sore that doesn’t heal
A sore in the mouth, tongue, or throat that doesn’t improve after two or three weeks can be a warning sign, especially if it bleeds easily.
5. Lump in the neck
A firm, painless lump in the neck may indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the area.
6. Frequent nosebleeds
Frequent nosebleeds may be a sign of cancer in the nasal cavity or sinuses. They are often accompanied by nasal congestion or facial pain.
7. Persistent ear pain
Ear pain that isn’t related to an infection and lasts for several weeks may be linked to cancer in the throat or at the base of the tongue.
8. Red or white patches in the mouth
Lesions on the tongue, gums, or palate may appear as white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia). These can be warning signs, as they may develop into cancer if left untreated.
9. Unexplained weight loss
Rapid, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of head and neck cancer, especially in more advanced stages. It may result from difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, or increased metabolic activity as the body fights the disease.
When weight loss occurs along with other symptoms such as persistent pain or lumps in the neck, medical evaluation is recommended.
10. Facial numbness or paralysis
In some cases, head and neck cancer can grow near the nerves that control facial movement.
When these nerves are affected, weakness, loss of sensation, or even paralysis may occur in part of the face. This symptom usually develops gradually and may be accompanied by other signs, such as pain in the area or difficulty moving the mouth or eyes.
Risk factors
There’s no single symptom that confirms head and neck cancer, but having several of the signs above, especially if they last longer than two or three weeks, can be a warning.
Some factors also increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, such as:
-
Smoking or prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke
-
Excessive alcohol consumption
-
Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
-
Long-term exposure to chemicals or wood dust
-
Poor oral hygiene or long-term use of ill-fitting dentures
Although these factors don’t confirm the presence of cancer, they increase the likelihood of developing it.
Confirming a diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation, imaging tests, and a biopsy of the affected area. These tests help confirm the presence of a tumor, determine its size, and identify whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
The doctor usually begins with a physical examination and, if needed, may use a thin camera called an endoscope to look inside the affected area. If a suspicious lesion is found, a small tissue sample (biopsy) is collected and analyzed in a lab.
Additional imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or PET-CT may also be requested to determine whether the cancer is localized or has spread.
In some cases, specialized tests are performed to identify the exact tumor type and choose the most effective treatment. Detecting head and neck cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to see a doctor if symptoms such as throat pain, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing persist for more than two weeks.
Medical attention is also recommended if lumps appear in the neck, mouth sores don’t heal, bleeding occurs frequently, or there’s unexplained weight loss.
The specialist who usually evaluates these cases is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, although an oncologist may also be involved if cancer is suspected. In many cases, early diagnosis allows for less aggressive treatment and better outcomes.