Español
What do head and neck cancer have in common? As the name suggests, they are classified according to the place where they appear. And the symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer.
“When doctors ‘head and neck cancer’ say, they usually refer to cancer, which begin in the mouth, in the throat, in the larynx, in paranasal breasts or in the salivary glands,” said Leila J. Mady, Md, Otolaryngologist (specialist in ORL) and head surgeon of John’s Hopkins. “They usually do not contain any eye or thyroid cancer.”
Almost 4% of all cancer cases in the USA are head and neck. Certain people have a higher risk, including those who have tobacco and alcohol consumption in history. And the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that almost everyone has, can also cause head and neck cancer. Even if you don’t have a high risk, there are some signs that you should be pending.
We communicate with Mady to determine the most common symptoms of head and neck cancer and know when there should be a consultation with a medical provider (HCP).
9 head and neck cancer symptoms
1. A dough or lump in the neck
The suspects are exactly that, suspicious. If you notice something extraordinary, such as inflammation or unusual mass in the neck, jaw or mouth, it is time to advise yourself with a medical provider.
2. Pain
A neck pain is a good example of a symptom of head and neck cancer, which is sometimes confused with a small daily problem. But sometimes it is a signal for something more serious, especially if the pain is not healthy after two or three weeks.
3. Wounds, ulcers or spots in the mouth
Dentists are sometimes the first step in the process of identifying cancer symptoms of the oral cavity. Boca wounds themselves may not be very worrying, but they could be a reason to worry if they don’t heal. Stay pending ulcers in the mouth and in the red or white spots that heal us.
4. Difficulties to speak, swallow or breathe
Head and neck cancer are also classified within the same group, since the symptoms can influence the language and the process of swallowing or breathing. This could even cause pain. You could also have the feeling that you have stuck something in your throat.
5. Changes to the hoarse voice or voice
As with pain in the throat, head and neck cancer can bring your language sharpening to snoring. Any change you have from language should be examined. This could indicate that head and neck cancer influences your speech.
6. Inexplicable pain of the head or neck
There are all possible explanations for headache and neck pain, including teeth, ears, pine, etc. If you have pain in your face, head or neck, especially if it is only a page for which you have no explanation, a more comprehensive test may be required.
7. Inexplicable bleeding of the nose or the mouth
Head and neck cancer can affect the nose so that the symptoms of nasal bleeding as well as nose obstructions or traffic jams that do not heal can include. Any inexplicable bleeding, either from the nose or in the mouth, could justify medical advice. This also applies to coughing blood.
8. Chronic sinus infections
Chronic sinuses or chronic infections in sinusitis could be an indication of nasopharyngeal cancer and paranasal sinuses. It is particularly worrying when infections of sinuses resist antibiotics.
9. Frequent headache
Headache is another symptom that can be confused with a slight daily problem, but they are alarming when they occur frequently. There are many possible causes of headache, so it is important that you have medical advice to identify the root of the problem.
When you should conduct a consultation with a medical provider due to head and neck cancer symptoms
If you don’t know if you should plan advice with a medical provider, Mady recommends that you don’t wait much time. Early detection saves life, the survival rates are higher in early stages.
“If the symptoms take more than two or three weeks, it is important to consult with a doctor,” said Mady. “Starting with a GP or a dentist is a good first step, but an Orl specialist is the best next step when there are concerns.” To issue a diagnosis, your doctor can carry out a test, request imaging or carry out a biopsy.
What Mady said to us at the end of the interview: Do what you can do to reduce your risk, but if you have worrying and persistent symptoms, you will soon act. “Head and neck cancer are often very treatable when they are recognized early,” he said.
This educational resource was created with Merck’s support.
From their site articles
Related articles related to the web