Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer

The ears, nose and throat are most commonly affected by symptoms of head and neck cancers. The symptoms may depend on where the cancer develops and how it spreads.

Sometimes the tumors form noticeable lumps. For example, tumors in the larynx or pharynx may be felt as a lump in the throat. Cancer in the mouth may cause sores in the mouth or swelling of the jaw.

In addition to physical signs of tumors, head and neck 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 pharyngeal or laryngeal cancers. Pain or ringing in the ears may also accompany certain head and neck cancers.

The following are some general symptoms of head and neck cancer:

• A lump in the nose, neck or throat
• A persistent sore throat
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent coughing
• Change in voice or hoarseness
• Ear pain or trouble hearing
• Headaches

NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer, such as an infection or other illness. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancers

Many of the symptoms associated with head and neck cancer may appear harmless at first. However, unlike a common cold, the symptoms do not go away. Sore throats and coughs persist longer than a couple of weeks.

Laryngeal cancer, which is cancer of the larynx (also called the voicebox), may cause hoarseness if the cancer spreads to the vocal chords (the glottis). Cancer above or below the vocal cords, in the supraglottis or subglottis respectively, will not cause hoarseness unless it spreads to the glottis. Changes in voice are usually associated with more advanced stages of the disease.

Cancers in the oral cavity (mouth) may cause changes in the gums or lining of the mouth. For denture wearers, this may affect how dentures fit. Other signs of cancer in the mouth may make it more difficult to chew or move the jaw. A dentist may become aware of cancerous changes in the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth during a routine oral exam.

Cancer in the esophagus (the muscular tube connecting the pathway from the pharynx to the stomach) may also cause sore throats and difficulty swallowing. In addition, esophageal cancer my cause pain behind the breast bone and indigestion, like heartburn.

More on Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) physicians have experience treating many types of head and neck cancer. More information about a certain type of cancer can be found in the list of cancers we treat at CTCA.

If you have experienced one more of these symptoms, such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, you should see a doctor. Although many of the symptoms may be caused by other more common and less serious conditions, it is important to have a thorough exam of the head and neck area to identify the cause.

Next Topic: Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis