It is important to recognize the signs of head and neck cancers early so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Symptoms include:
- Lumps or sores in the mouth, on the lips, in the throat, on either side of the neck, under the jaw or in the armpits.
- Persistent sore throat.
- Difficulty swallowing or swelling under the chin and around the jawbone.
- Hoarseness or voice changes.
- Consistent ear pain.
- Frequent nosebleeds or nasal congestion that doesn’t go away.
- Unexplained weight loss
Head and neck tumors may appear to be dental problems, canker sores or another common face, throat or neck condition. Individuals often find cures for these common symptoms quickly and easily with over-the-counter medications or a visit to their dentist or doctor. However, sometimes the symptoms can point to cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your primary care provider right away. They can discuss symptoms, and potential testing and make referrals as needed. Don't have a primary care provider? Find one now.
While not all head and neck cancers can be prevented, there are ways to reduce your risk. Some lifestyle changes you can adapt include:
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking and using chewing tobacco are major risk factors. Quitting these habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing head or neck cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk. If you drink, choose to drink in moderation.
- Protect yourself from HPV: The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause head and neck cancers. The HPV vaccine can protect against HPV strain that cause these cancers.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help lower your risk. They contain important vitamins and minerals that can protect against cancer.
- Get regular dental checkups: Dentists can spot early signs of cancer in the mouth. Regular checkups are important for early detection.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer.
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals: If you work with chemicals, make sure to use protective equipment and follow safety guidelines.
Diagnosing head or neck cancer may be done using assessments such as:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and check your head, neck and throat for lumps or other abnormalities.
- Endoscopy: This is a procedure where the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to look inside your throat, voice box or nasal passages.
- Biopsy: If the doctor finds something suspicious, they might take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) to look at under a microscope for cancer cells.
- Imaging tests: Tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans can help the doctor see inside your body to check for tumors or other problems.
Recognizing and preventing head and neck cancers involves paying attention to your body, seeking medical advice when necessary and making healthy lifestyle choices. By being aware of the symptoms and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help protect yourself against these types of cancers.
A typical first line of treatment for early-stage head and neck cancer is often surgery, radiation or a combination of the two. The best course of treatment depends on the location of the tumor. For example, oral cancers of the tongue are typically treated surgically because the tongue is less responsive to radiation treatment. On the other hand, tumors of the larynx or voice box are often treated with radiation, as these organs often respond well to this type of treatment, while allowing for better organ preservation. Though the cure rate for cancer of the larynx with radiotherapy versus surgery is the same, a surgical approach requires removing the voice box and performing a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy moves the windpipe to a hole in the neck for breathing, and normal speech is no longer possible.
Radiation may also be recommended as a follow-up to surgery when it is not possible to remove all the cancer and for patients with additional risk factors. The reverse may also be true. Some patients treated with radiation show only a partial response. If residual disease remains, surgery may be recommended following radiation therapy.
More advanced cases may require chemotherapy in addition to radiation, surgery or both. For example, this may be necessary for cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body.
