Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms

Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that begin in the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity, or salivary glands, causing cells in these tissues to grow and multiply too fast. This forms a tumor or abnormal growth.

These changes often cause the first signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer. “Signs” are things that can be measured by tests, like a mass found on imaging. “Symptoms” are things you feel in your body, like a sore throat or trouble swallowing.

Early symptoms of head and neck cancer are often mistaken for common, less serious conditions such as a cold, a sore throat, an ear infection, or a dental problem. Because these symptoms are so familiar, many people wait weeks or months before seeing a doctor. Any symptom that lasts more than two to three weeks should be evaluated.

Remember: Many of these symptoms are caused by conditions other than cancer, such as allergies, reflux, infection, or noncancerous growths. What sets head and neck cancer symptoms apart is that they tend to be persistent, do not improve with standard treatment, and may worsen over time. If you notice any of these patterns, talk to your doctor or dentist.

What are the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Symptoms in the mouth

• A sore, ulcer, or area of irritation in the mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks

• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth

• A lump or thickening in the cheek, lip, or tongue

• Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth

• Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit properly

• Pain when chewing or moving the jaw or tongue

Symptoms in the throat and voice box

• Persistent sore throat that does not improve

• Hoarseness or other voice changes lasting more than two weeks

• Pain or difficulty swallowing

• A feeling that something is stuck in the throat

• Pain in the ear, especially on one side, without an ear infection (referred pain from the throat)

• Coughing up blood

Symptoms in the neck

• A lump in the neck, often painless, that lasts more than two weeks

• Swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear

Symptoms in the nose and sinuses

• Nasal congestion or blockage that does not go away, especially on one side

• Frequent nosebleeds or bloody nasal discharge

• Sinus pain or pressure that does not improve with treatment

• Decreased sense of smell

• Numbness or pain in the face, upper teeth, or around the eye

Symptoms of salivary gland tumors

• A painless lump or swelling near the ear, jaw, or under the chin

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the face (facial nerve involvement)

• Pain that does not go away

Symptoms that may indicate spread

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent fatigue

• Shortness of breath or persistent cough, which may suggest spread to the lungs

• Bone pain

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or notice any changes to your health that concern you, the most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor or dentist.

Many of these changes have causes other than cancer, but getting checked is always the right step. Finding head and neck cancer earlier gives you the best chance of successful treatment and preservation of speech, swallowing, and appearance.