Head and neck cancers are types of cancer that can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. Knowing the warning signs enables early diagnosis and thus saves lives. The information below is taken from the Turkish Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Surgery Foundation.
Neck Swelling
Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck before spreading elsewhere in the body. Neck swellings lasting longer than two weeks must be examined by a doctor. While not all swellings are cancer, they can be the first sign of mouth, larynx, thyroid, or blood cancer. These swellings are usually painless and tend to grow.
Voice Change
Many laryngeal cancers cause voice changes. Hoarseness or voice change lasting longer than two weeks is sufficient reason to see an ENT specialist. Vocal cord examination can be done with easy and painless methods.
Sore on Lip and Mouth
Most tongue and lip cancers cause non-healing sores and swelling. These sores may be painless unless they become inflamed. If a sore or swelling is present along with a mass in the neck, it should be taken very seriously. Your dentist or doctor can assess whether a biopsy is necessary.
Bleeding
Mouth, nose, throat, and lung tumors can cause bleeding. If blood is seen in saliva or phlegm for more than a few days, a doctor should be consulted.
Difficulty Swallowing
Throat and esophageal cancers make swallowing solid foods, and sometimes liquids, difficult. If food gets stuck at a certain point or comes back up, a doctor should be visited. The cause can be identified with an X-ray barium film or endoscopy.
Skin Changes
The most common skin cancer in the head and neck responds well to early treatment. It usually starts as a small, pale sore in sun-exposed areas (forehead, face, ear), grows slowly, and forms an ulcer in the center. In some types, color change is seen; a dark blue-black colored growing or changing spot should be evaluated by a dermatology specialist.
Ear Pain
Pain in and around the ear during swallowing may be due to a growing tumor or infection in the throat. If it occurs along with hoarseness or neck swelling, an ENT specialist should be consulted.
Risk Factors
The majority of head and neck cancers are closely associated with long-term exposure to tobacco and alcohol use. Mouth and throat cancer is almost never seen in adults who do not smoke or drink. Long-term exposure to sunlight is associated with lip and skin cancer.
What Should You Do?
The symptoms and findings above can also be seen in conditions other than cancer. However, it is not possible to say this without an examination. If you have any of these complaints, you should go to a doctor to be sure. Early diagnosis greatly increases treatment success in head and neck cancer.
