Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer
There are many possible symptoms of head and neck cancer. However, displaying these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Only a qualified medical practitioner can make this diagnosis.
Learn more about the symptoms of these head and neck cancers:
- Mouth cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
- Nasal or paranasal sinus cancer
Mouth (oral) cancer
- mouth pain or pain when swallowing
- a persistent sore or swelling in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- red or white patches on the gums, tongue or mouth
- changes in speech or difficulty pronouncing words
- difficulty chewing or swallowing food, difficulty moving the tongue or limited chewing
- weight loss
- a lump in the neck
- loose teeth, or dentures that no longer fit
- earache, or ringing in the ears
Pharyngeal cancer
- throat pain or difficulty swallowing
- a persistent sore throat or cough
- coughing up bloody phlegm
- bad breath
- weight loss
- voice changes or hoarseness
- dull pain around the breastbone
- a lump in the neck
- pain in the ear or frequent ear infections
- feeling that your air supply is blocked
- numbness of the face
- nasal congestion
- hearing loss
- headaches
Laryngeal cancer
- swelling or a lump in the neck or throat
- a persistent sore throat
- a persistent change in the sound of your voice, including hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- constant coughing
- difficulty breathing
- weight loss
Salivary gland cancer
- swelling or a lump near the ear, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth
- different appearance on each side of the face or neck
- difficulty swallowing or opening mouth widely
- drooping, numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the face (palsy)
Nasal or paranasal sinus cancer
- decreased sense of smell
- a persistent blocked nose, particularly in one nostril
- frequent nosebleeds
- excess mucus in the throat or back of the nose
- frequent headaches or sinus pressure
- difficulty swallowing
- loose or painful upper teeth
- a lump on/in the face, nose or mouth
- numbness of the face, upper lip, or within the mouth or upper teeth
- pressure or pain in the ears
- a bulging or watery eye
- double vision
- complete or partial loss of eyesight
This information was last reviewed in May 2017
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