Symptoms Of Head And
Neck Cancer
A lump in the neck...Cancers that
begin in the head or neck usually spread to lymph nodes in the
neck before they spread elsewhere. A lump in the neck that lasts
more than two weeks should be seen by a physician as soon as
possible. Of course, not all lumps are cancer. But a lump (or
lumps) in the neck can be the first sign of cancer of the mouth,
throat, voicebox (larynx), thyroid gland, or of certain lymphomas
or blood cancers. Such lumps are generally painless and continue
to enlarge steadily.
Change in the voice...Most
cancers in the larynx cause some change in voice. Any hoarseness
or other voice change lasting more than two weeks should alert you
to see your physician. An otolaryngologist is a head and neck
specialist who can examine your vocal cords easily and painlessly.
While most voice changes are not caused by cancer, you shouldn't
take chances. If you are hoarse more than two weeks, make sure you
don't have cancer of the larynx. See your doctor.
A growth in the mouth...Most
cancers of the mouth or tongue cause a sore or swelling that
doesn't go away. These sores and swellings may be painless unless
they become infected. Bleeding may occur, but often not until late
in the disease. If an ulcer or swelling is accompanied by lumps in
the neck, be very concerned. Your dentist or doctor can determine
if a biopsy (tissue sample test) is needed and can refer you to a
head and neck surgeon to perform this procedure.
Bringing up blood...This
is often caused by something other than cancer. However, tumors in
the nose, mouth, throat or lungs can cause bleeding. If blood
appears in your saliva or phlegm for more than a few days, you
should see your physician.
Swallowing problems...Cancer
of the throat or esophagus (swallowing tube) may make swallowing
solid foods difficult. Sometimes liquids can also be troublesome.
The food may "stick" at a certain point and then either go through
to the stomach or come back up. If you have trouble almost every
time you try to swallow something, you should be examined by a
physician. Usually a barium swallow x-ray or an esophagoscopy
(direct examination of the swallowing tube with a telescope) will
be performed to find the cause.
Changes in the skin...The
most common head and neck cancer is basal cell cancer of the skin.
Fortunately, this is rarely a major problem if treated early.
Basal cell cancers appear most often on sun-exposed areas like the
forehead, face, and ears, although they can occur almost anywhere
on the skin. Basal cell cancer often begins as a small, pale patch
that enlarges slowly, producing a central "dimple" and eventually
an ulcer. Parts of the ulcer may heal, but the major portion
remains ulcerated. Some basal cell cancers show color changes.
Other kinds of cancer, including squamous cell cancer and
malignant melanoma, also occur on the skin of the head and neck.
Most squamous cell cancers occur on the lower lip and ear. They
may look like basal cell cancers and, if caught early and properly
treated, usually are not much more dangerous. If there is a sore
on the lip, lower face, or ear that does not heal, consult a
physician. Malignant melanoma classically produces dense
blue-black or black discolorations of the skin. However, any mole
that changes size, color, or begins to bleed may be trouble. A
black or blue-black spot on the face or neck, particularly if it
changes size or shape, should be seen as soon as possible by a
dermatologist or other physician.
Persistent Earache...Constant
pain in or around the ear when you swallow can be a sign of
infection or tumor growth in the throat. This is particularly
serious if it is associated with difficulty in swallowing,
hoarseness or a lump in the neck. These symptoms are best
evaluated by an otolaryngologist.
