Symptoms of head and neck cancers

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
• bad breath
• 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

Nasal or paranasal sinus cancer

• decreased sense of smell
• a persistent blocked nose, particularly in one nostril, or a blocked ear
• frequent nosebleeds
• excess mucus in the throat or back of 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 ears
• a bulging or watery eye
• double vision
• complete or partial loss of eyesight

Salivary gland cancer

• swelling or a lump near the ear, jaw or lip, or inside the mouth
• different appearance on each side of the face or neck
• difficulty swallowing or widely opening the mouth
• drooping, numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the face (palsy)

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
• headache

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
• pain in the ear