Unfortunately, some head and neck cancers can develop slowly over time without any obvious symptoms. For example, it often takes years for an HPV infection to develop into oral cancer.
The symptoms of head and neck cancer also seem unimportant, so you may think it’s nothing serious. “Sometimes you have a cough or a sore throat that doesn’t heal,” Pharar said. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a sore lip that doesn’t heal, ear pain, or a feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
You should talk to a doctor if you have persistent symptoms, even if they seem unimportant, such as a cough or sore throat; and, most importantly, he continues to have regular dental appointments. People who examine your mouth and throat every six months may be the first to notice changes. As with all types of cancer, early detection is important.
