What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?

 

The signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer can be quite variable depending on where the tumor is located. Some common symptoms are:

  • A new lump or sore that does not heal
  • Unplanned weight loss (due to difficulty swallowing or poor nutrition)
  • A persistent sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Hoarseness or a change in voice that does not go away
  • Pain (that may be felt in the ear or jaw)

However, each person may experience symptoms differently. It is not uncommon for people with head and neck cancer to not experience any symptoms. In other cases, their symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions.

To find more specific symptoms of laryngeal cancer, one of the most common head and neck cancers, see What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer?  

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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