Head and neck cancer is most often caused by specific lifestyle behaviors. You could be at risk for head and neck cancer if you engage in one or more of the following habits:

• Tobacco use—includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
• Alcohol use
• Spend a lot of time in the sun

Your risk also increases if you are over the age of 50.

Head and neck cancer is highly treatable if it is detected early. Warning signs of possible head and neck cancer include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Persistent sore throat
• Lump in the neck that lasts for more than a week
• Ear pain, especially when swallowing
• Mouth sore(s) that do not heal
• Change in the voice, such as persistent hoarseness or difficulty speaking
• Spitting up blood
• Change in skin appearance
• Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment
• Frequent headaches
• Facial pain that does not go away
• Trouble breathing through the nose or bleeding from the nose

Remember that these symptoms can also be related to other, non-cancerous illnesses. Only your doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by cancer. If you are in a high-risk category and notice one or more of these symptoms, you should visit your health care provider for an examination and testing.

Information and links found on UT Medical Group, Inc.'s web sites are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately. Sitemap

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