10 Early Warning Signs Of Head And Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers encompass a spectrum of origins, including the food pipe, windpipe, thyroid, salivary glands, and skin and the manifestation of symptoms varies depending on several factors.

Warning Signs Of Head And Neck Cancer (Image Source: Getty)

Early detection serves as a fundamental pillar in the ongoing battle against head and neck cancers, a diverse category of malignancies impacting vital areas like the mouth, throat, nose, and sinuses. The ability to identify subtle signs and symptoms proves paramount, offering a window for timely intervention that can potentially enhance treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. Here are some warning signs and symptoms that you must know about. (Image Source: Getty)

1. Changes in Voice: Noticeable changes in voice quality or hoarseness for a prolonged duration can be indicative of nasal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal or vocal cord cancer. (Image Source: Getty)

2. Nasal Issues: Symptoms like nasal stuffiness, frequent nosebleeds, and chronic sinus infections that resist standard treatments could indicate potential concerns in the nasal cavity or sinuses. (Image Source: Getty)

3. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Difficulty or pain while swallowing, foreign body sensation, regurgitation of undigested food may be indicative of throat or esophageal cancer. (Image Source: Getty)

4. Lumps or Masses: Any persistent lumps or masses in the neck, throat, or mouth require immediate attention, as they could be indicative of cancerous growth. (Image Source: Getty)

5. Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): Unresolved bad breath despite oral hygiene practices may be a sign of oral tumors in the tongue or jaw. (Image Source: Getty)

6. Persistent Mouth Sores: Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don't heal could be indicative of oral cancer, emphasizing the importance of regular dental check-ups. (Image Source: Getty)

7. Skin Changes: Changes in skin color, texture, or the presence of unusual growths may signal skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. (Image Source: Getty)

8. Difficulty Moving the Jaw: Tumors affecting the bones, muscles, or nerves of the head and neck region can lead to difficulty in opening the mouth, known as trismus. (Image Source: Getty)

9. Abnormal Patches: White or red patches in the mouth or throat could indicate cancer or precancerous changes such as leukoplakia or erythroplakia. (Image Source: Getty)

10. Dental Changes: Spontaneous tooth loss, loose teeth, or ill-fitting dentures can serve as indicators of jaw cancer. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by: Dr Mohsin Shaikh, Associate Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India (Image Source: Getty)