Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms and Treatment

Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid, a gland below the larynx that is part of the endocrine system, which helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other functions. Around 62,500 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men, and it occurs mostly in adults between the ages of 20 and 55.

The main risk factor for thyroid cancer is exposure to moderate levels of external radiation at a young age, such as radiation in the environment or from prior radiation treatment.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• A lump or swelling on the front of the neck
• Hoarseness or changes to the voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty breathing
• Throat or neck pain
• Persistent cough without having a cold

Salivary gland cancer occurs in the salivary glands of the mouth, neck or throat. The majority of salivary gland tumors develop in the parotid gland, the gland located in front of the ears on each side of the face that produces saliva to aid in chewing and digesting food. Salivary gland cancers are rare, accounting for less than 10 percent of all head and neck tumors.

Risk factors can include exposure to radiation, such as from prior radiation treatment; and occupational exposure to asbestos, chemicals, and inhalants.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer include:

• A lump or swelling on the jaw or in the neck or mouth
• Numbness in the face
• Muscle weakness on one side of the face
• Persistent pain in a salivary gland
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble opening the mouth

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers occur in the tissues that line the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. Most cases occur in the maxillary sinuses, the hollow spaces on either side of the nose and below the eyes. Around 2,000 new cases of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.

The main risk factor for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is exposure to wood and metal dusts, asbestos, paint fumes, and air pollution.

Symptoms of cancer of the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinus include:

• Persistent nasal congestion
• Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Frequent headaches or sinus pain
• Swelling of the eyes
• Reduced sense of smell

Pharyngeal cancer is cancer in the pharynx, or throat. Tumors can develop in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat); the oropharynx (the middle of the throat); and the hypopharynx (the bottom of the throat). Around 11,800 new cases of pharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.

The main risk factors for pharyngeal cancer are tobacco use and excessive alcohol use. Other risk factors include occupational exposure to asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and other inhalants; being infected with Epstein-Barr virus; being infected with the human papillomavirus; and certain diets.

Symptoms of pharyngeal cancer include:

• A lump in the neck
• Nasal congestion
• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Persistent sore throat
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Hoarseness or changes in the voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Jaw pain

Laryngeal cancer is cancer in the larynx, or voice box. Laryngeal cancer is the second most common type of head and neck cancer, accounting for around 12,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States every year. Most cases of laryngeal cancers occur in men.

The main risk factors for laryngeal cancer are tobacco use and excessive alcohol use. Other risk factors include occupational exposure to wood and metal dusts, asbestos, paint fumes, and other chemical inhalants; a diet low in vitamins A and E; gastroesophageal reflux disease; and being infected with the human papillomavirus. People with aplastic anemia, a blood disorder, have a higher risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:

• Hoarseness
• A lump in the neck from an enlarged lymph node
• Ear pain
• Difficulty swallowing

Oral cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. Around 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Oral cancer can begin in the lips, the gums, behind the molars, the inside of the lips and cheeks, the floor and roof of the mouth, the minor salivary glands, and the tongue.

The main risk factors for oral cancer are smoking or chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Other risk factors include being infected with the human papillomavirus and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Most oral cancers can be treated and cured if diagnosed early.

Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• A sore or lump on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks
• Unusual or persistent bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth
• Swelling in the mouth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficult or painful chewing
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Loose teeth
• Persistent sore throat