Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers that affect the head and neck areas of the body. These cancers account for approximately 3% to 5% of all cancers. Head and neck cancer is more common in men and in people over age 50. These cancers are very treatable if caught early and are easily preventable. The most common causes of head and neck cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also an important risk factor for some head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the:

• Oral cavity: lips, tongue, gums, lining of the cheeks and lips, bottom and top of the mouth, and behind the wisdom teeth.
• Salivary glands: These produce the saliva that keeps your mouth and throat moist. The main glands are on the bottom of the mouth and near the jawbone.
• Sinuses / Nasal Cavity.
• Tonsils / Throat.
• Voicebox.
• Thyroid / Parathyroid Surgery.
• Ears.
• Lymph Nodes.

Symptoms & Signs

Head and neck cancer can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms are often mild and can mimic less serious conditions such as a cold or sore throat. These symptoms include:

• A mouth or tongue sore that does not heal.
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• A persistent sore throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Swelling in the jaw, neck or side of the face. This may cause dentures to fit poorly.
• Frequent sinus infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
• Neck pain that won't go away.
• Frequent headaches.
• Pain in the upper teeth.
• Bleeding through the nose or in the mouth, or blood in the saliva.