Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer vary depending on the location of the cancer. The onset and severity of the symptoms also vary with the cancer site. The majority of these cancer symptoms appear gradually over time as the cancer cells grow at the site of origin and spread.  Many oral and throat cancers are not detected until the cancer becomes more advanced. When detected early, head and neck cancers can be successfully treated.

The most common symptoms of several head and neck cancer sites include:

• A lump or sore that does not heal
• Sore throat or pain in the mouth that does not go away
• Difficulty swallowing
• Change in voice quality (usually hoarseness)

Symptoms that pertain to specific site areas include:

• Oral cavity (mouth)
  
• • White or red patch on gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  • Swelling of the jaw that causes poor fitting dentures
  • Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
  • Loosening of teeth or pain around the teeth and jaw
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Numbness or pain in the tongue or jaw
    
    
• Nasal cavity and sinuses
  
• • Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear
  • Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
  • Bleeding through the nose
  • Frequent headaches
  • Swelling or trouble with the eyes
  • Pain in the upper teeth or denture problems
    
    
• Salivary glands
  
• • Swelling under the chin or around jawbone
  • Numbness or paralysis of the face muscles
  • Pain in the face, chin or neck that does not go away
    
    
• Pharynx
  
• • Ear pain or ringing in the ears
  • Trouble breathing or speaking
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Swallowing problems due to tissue growing across the esophagus
    
    
• Larynx
  
• • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Voice changes (hoarseness, scratchiness)
  • Ear pain
  • Lump or mass in the throat
    
    
• Metastatic squamous neck cancer
  
• • Pain in the throat or neck that does not go away
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck that can be seen or felt

Many of these symptoms are not specific to cancer and can indicate a less serious condition. It is important for individuals to see a physician or dentist if any of these symptoms last more than two weeks.