Head & Neck Cancer

What is Head & Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancers comprise many different forms, including brain, eyes, spine, salivary gland, thyroid, sinuses, mouth, throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx).

Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes closest to the affected area. Cancers of the head and neck are identified by the area in which they begin.

What Causes Head & Neck Cancer?

• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Occupational exposures such as nickel refining, exposure to textile fibers, and woodworking.
• Asbestos exposure and petroleum industry chemicals.
• Excessive consumption of processed meats and red meat.
• High consumption of salted fish, salted eggs, pork/beef liver.
• Being over the age of 55 years.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)& Epstein-Barr virus.

What are the Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer?

Symptoms of several head and neck cancer sites include a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.

Other symptoms may include the following:

• Oral cavity: A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.
• Nasal cavity and sinuses: Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear, chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics, bleeding through the nose, frequent headaches, swelling or other trouble with the eyes, pain in the upper teeth, or problems with dentures.
• Salivary glands: Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone; numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face; or pain that does not go away in the face, chin, or neck.
• Oropharynx and hypopharynx: Ear pain.
• Nasopharynx: Trouble breathing or speaking, frequent headaches, pain or ringing in the ears, or trouble hearing.
• Larynx: Pain when swallowing, or ear pain.
• Metastatic squamous neck cancer: Pain in the neck or throat that does not go away.

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