Symptoms
In general, head and neck cancer may present itself as a lump, mass, or sore in the region that does not go away. However, head and neck cancer can cause the following symptoms depending on its specific location.
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Here are the main regions of the head and neck:
- Oral Cavity - The oral cavity is the area inside the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks.
- Pharynx - The pharynx is the hollow tube leading from the back of the nasal cavity to the esophagus. It has three main sections, the nasopharynx (upper), oropharynx (middle), and hypopharynx (lower).
- Larynx - The larynx, or voicebox, is located just above the windpipe. It contains the vocal cords and prevents food from entering the windpipe.
- Nasal cavity and sinuses - The nasal cavity is the area inside the nose. The sinuses are small holes in the bones around the nasal cavity.
- Salivary Glands - The salivary glands are glands in the bottom of the mouth that produce saliva.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of head and neck cancer:
A mass or lump in the neck
White or red sores in your mouth
Jaw Inflammation
Pain or bleeding in your mouth
Difficulty breathing or speaking
Pain when swallowing
Chronic sore throat or neck pain
Frequent headaches
Difficulty hearing or ringing in your ears
Chronic nasal congestion or sinus infections
Frequent Nosebleeds
Swelling around the eyes or double vision
Numbness or weakness of facial muscles
