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 as per the types below.
On this page
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Tonsil Cancer
Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads in the back of your mouth that are part of your…
Mouth cancer
The oral cavity includes the mouth and tongue. Mouth cancer can affect a number of areas in…
Voice box or Larynx cancer
The larynx is commonly called the voice box. This tube-shaped organ in the neck is important for…
Salivary gland cancer
The salivary glands make spit (saliva) and release saliva to keep the mouth and throat moist and help with…
Sinus cancer
The nasal cavity is the large, air-filled space behind the nose. Paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces at…
Thyroid cancer
The thyroid gland is a small gland in the front, lower part of your neck, just below…
Lymph node cancer
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
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
Could be -
Persistent sore throat
Could be -
Lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal
Could be -
Changes in voice or hoarseness
Could be -
Painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing
Could be -
Earache or ear pain
Could be -
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Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).
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