Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers are cancers that start in the head or neck regions.
Patients are usually not told they have a ‘Head and Neck cancer’, they are usually told they have cancer in the particular area affected. Each of those areas are listed below. There is a dedicated page for each of the eight different cancer types, where we have more details , symptoms, common treatments and importantly patient stories.
On this page
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Throat cancer – description, symptoms, useful links and patient stories
Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads in the back of your mouth that are part of your…
The oral cavity includes the mouth and tongue. Mouth cancer can affect a number of areas in…
The larynx is commonly called the voice box. This tube-shaped organ in the neck is important for…
The salivary glands make spit (saliva) and release saliva to keep the mouth and throat moist and help with…
The nasal cavity is the large, air-filled space behind the nose. Paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces at…
The thyroid gland is a small gland in the front, lower part of your neck, just below…
Cancer of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck region occurs when cancer has spread and is…
Cancers affecting areas such as the brain, eyes, wind-pipe (trachea), and oesophagus do not fall into the Head and Neck cancer classification.
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with a Head and Neck cancer or if you have been referred to a specialist for a diagnosis you might find our What To Expect guides helpful, written by patients for patients. You should use these as guides only and always ask your medical team for specific information as every person’s cancer and cancer experience will be different.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Important
The symptoms described below are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have a head and neck cancer, but
it's important to get checked by a GP (General Practitioner) or dentist if symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
Referrals would generally be to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or Maxillofacial surgeon at your local hospital.
Head and Neck cancer can manifest through various signs and symptoms. Some of the leading signs include:
A persistent sore throat (or other type of pain in throat or mouth area)
A neck lump or swelling
Lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that doesn't heal
Changes in voice or hoarseness
Painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing
Earache or ear pain
Less common symptoms are associated with specific head and neck cancer types as per the table below. If your particular symptom is not one of our 6 leading symptoms, please check our cancer types pages above for less common symptoms. You should always discuss your symptom with your GP or dentist if symptoms persist for 3+ weeks, who may refer you to an appropriate specialist as they see necessary.
Lump in neck
Persistent sore throat
Lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal
Changes in voice or hoarseness
Painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing
Earache or ear pain
National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines for NHS clinicians
See below link for recommendations to clinicians for symptoms that may suggest cancer in the head and neck region. Note that these do not currently suggest ear pain as a reason for referral.
However the NHS Improving Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancers Guidelines (on NICE Website) does include ear pain. See link below.
Want to get involved in Oracle´s aims and goals?
If you have direct, lived experience of Head and Neck cancer as a patient or carer, or you may just be passionate about helping us ensure that there is greater understanding of these cancers in the wider population and that all voices are represented.
Call 0203 475 3471
Email info@oraclehnc.org.uk
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