Part 1A: What is head and neck cancer?

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To start, here is a summary of head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancers refer to a group of cancers that typically begin in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck area. Here are the common types of head and neck cancer and their associated symptoms:

1. Oral Cavity Cancer

• Areas Affected: Lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, the floor of the mouth, hard palate, and area behind the wisdom teeth.

• Symptoms:

  • Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal

  • Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth

  • Swelling or thickening of the lips or cheek

  • Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth

  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

2. Pharyngeal Cancer (Throat Cancer)

• Areas Affected: Divided into three main parts:

  • Nasopharynx: Upper part behind the nose

  • Oropharynx: Middle part, including tonsils and base of the tongue

  • Hypopharynx: Lower part, just above the esophagus and windpipe

• Symptoms:

  • Persistent sore throat or a feeling of something stuck in the throat

  • Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing

  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears (particularly for oropharyngeal cancer)

  • Swelling or lumps in the neck

  • Changes in voice, such as hoarseness

3. Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box Cancer)

• Areas Affected: Larynx, which houses the vocal cords

• Symptoms:

  • Hoarseness or changes in voice that persist

  • Sore throat or cough that does not go away

  • Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

  • Painful swallowing

  • Ear pain

4. Salivary Gland Cancer

• Areas Affected: Major salivary glands located in front of the ears, under the chin, and under the tongue, as well as minor salivary glands in the mouth and throat.

• Symptoms:

  • Swelling or a lump near the jaw, under the chin, or in the neck

  • Numbness or weakness in part of the face

  • Pain in the face, chin, or neck that does not go away

  • Difficulty opening the mouth fully

5. Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

• Areas Affected: Nasal cavity (inside of the nose) and paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces around the nose)

• Symptoms:

  • Blocked sinuses that do not clear or are painful

  • Nosebleeds

  • Frequent headaches or pain around the nose and eyes

  • Swelling or other issues affecting the eyes (e.g., bulging eyes, double vision)

  • Reduced sense of smell or taste

6. HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

• Areas Affected: Commonly occurs in the tonsils and base of the tongue and is associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

• Symptoms:

  • Persistent sore throat or ear pain

  • Swelling or lumps in the neck

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Unexplained weight loss

PLEASE NOTE: These symptoms may be caused by non-cancerous conditions. It is essential for anyone experiencing persistent symptoms to seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in head and neck cancers.
For a more detailed explanation, click the link below to the resources found at Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

Check ADDITIONAL RESOURCES for a link to the New Zealand Cancer Society handbook for Head and Neck Cancer.