Head and neck cancer is the term given to cancers that start in the head and neck region, beginning in any of these places:
- Mouth, also called the oral cavity
- Nasal cavity, the passage behind the nose
- Paranasal sinuses, which are the spaces around the nose, lined with cells that make mucus. They also provide a space that allows the voice to echo when you are talking or singing.
- Salivary glands, the glands that make saliva
- Throat, known as the pharynx
- Voice box, called the larynx
Different types of head and neck cancers include:
- Laryngeal cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Throat cancer
- Mouth cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Many people with head and neck cancer experience symptoms such as:
- A growth or sore in the mouth
- A lump in the neck
- A lump or sore inside the nose that will not heal
- A sore throat that does not go away
- Blocked sinuses that will not clear
- Chronic sinus infections
- Cough or hoarseness that does not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Frequent headache or pain around the nose, cheeks, jaws, ears, or forehead
- Frequent nosebleeds or ones that don't stop
- Numbness in the face
- Pain in the ear
- Swelling of the eyes or under the chin or around the jaw
- Voice changes
These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other problems. It is important to see a doctor about any symptoms like these so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Treatments
Treatment for head and neck cancer may include the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy, including proton radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Clinical trials