What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?
Many early symptoms may resemble less serious conditions, which is why persistent or unusual changes in these regions should not be ignored. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- A lump or swelling in the neck that does not resolve
- Non-healing ulcers or sores in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is stuck in the throat
- Nasal obstruction, frequent nosebleeds or chronic sinus infections
- Pain or difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent ear pain or hearing changes
How to Prevent Head and Neck Cancer
While not all cases of head and neck cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle and health measures can significantly reduce the risk:
- Avoid Tobacco Products – Refraining from smoking and chewing tobacco is one of the most effective ways to lower risk, as tobacco use is a major contributing factor.
- Limit Alcohol Intake – Reducing alcohol consumption, or avoiding it altogether, helps decrease risk, especially when combined with not smoking.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Regular dental check-ups and proper oral care can help detect early abnormalities in the mouth and throat.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet – Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants support immune health and are associated with a lower cancer risk.
- Protect Against Viral Infections – Practising safe sexual behaviours and considering HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of HPV-related head and neck cancers.
- Reduce Exposure to Harmful Substances – Individuals exposed to wood dust, asbestos or industrial chemicals should use appropriate protective equipment and follow workplace safety guidelines.
What Are the Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer?
Certain factors can raise the risk of head and neck cancer. These include:
- Age – Those over 40 years old are at a higher risk of head and neck cancer.
- Gender – Men are twice or thrice more likely to develop head and neck cancer than women.
- Alcohol and Tobacco Use – About 75% of head and neck cancer cases are caused by these two substances.
Other known predisposing factors include prolonged sun exposure, poor nutrition and oral health, environmental and occupational exposure, excessive consumption of salted and processed food, HPV infection and the Epstein-Barr virus.
How Are Head and Neck Cancers Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a detailed clinical assessment by an ENT specialist. Your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and examine the head and neck for signs such as lumps, ulcers or areas of swelling.
Further investigations may include:
- Endoscopy – A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the nasal passages, throat or voice box in detail.
- Imaging Scans – CT, MRI or PET scans help assess the size and location of the tumour and determine whether it has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes.
- Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and analysed under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood Tests and Viral Screening – Tests for viruses such as HPV or EBV may be performed, as they are associated with certain types of head and neck cancers.
What Are the Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancers?
There are various ways to treat head and neck cancer, depending on the size, location, severity and spread of the tumours. These include:
- Surgery – Head and neck cancer surgery is often the first-line treatment to remove tumours from the body. This involves taking out an area of the organ containing the tumours and surrounding healthy tissues, or removing the organ altogether. The procedure may also entail the removal of infected lymph nodes.
- Radiation Therapy – This method uses radiation or intense beams of energy to target cancer cells. It can be used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours, which will then be removed via surgery.
- Chemotherapy – This refers to medication that can be taken by mouth or intravenously. These drugs are designed to target cancer cells, identifying them based on their rapidly dividing nature. However, they are also known to affect healthy cells with similar traits, such as cells in the hair, so a fine balance must be determined.
A/Prof Luke Tan specialises in the management of head, neck and thyroid conditions, including cancer. Our head and neck clinic in Singapore provides a range of proven medical and surgical treatments, as well as dedicated staff to ensure that patients can go through their treatment and recovery in a caring and reassuring environment. For consultation and enquiries, contact us at 6474-6116 today.
When Should You See a Head And Neck Specialist?
You should consider seeing an ENT specialist or head and neck surgeon if you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms affecting the throat, mouth, neck or nasal passages. Early evaluation is especially important when symptoms do not improve with routine treatments such as antibiotics, as timely assessment allows for earlier diagnosis and management.
Seek medical attention if you notice any of the following:
- A lump in the neck or under the jaw that does not resolve
- Ongoing sore throat or persistent hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Mouth ulcers or sores that do not heal
- Persistent nasal blockage or recurrent nosebleeds
- Unexplained pain in the ear or face
