If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to effective treatment. Approximately three-quarters of all head and neck cancers are detectable during examination. A physical exam will examine your oral cavity, nose, throat, tongue, and neck. Any lumps or abnormalities should be noted. Your provider may order laboratory tests and perform endoscopy, a procedure in which a lighted tube is inserted into the body through the mouth and nose.
Other signs include frequent sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics, white patches on the gums, and swelling of the jaw and neck. In some cases, a doctor may recommend an exam to rule out other health problems. Patients with symptoms of head and neck cancer should be referred for a thorough examination. Patients with these symptoms should be tested for HPV, which can cause head and neck cancer. If you have a family history of head and neck cancer, consult your doctor and schedule an appointment for a thorough physical.
Head and neck cancers affect the voice box, tonsils, and back portion of the throat. Tobacco use, alcohol use, and HPV infection are common risk factors for these cancers. In tobacco and alcohol-related cases, a sore throat may occur, as well as weight loss that doesn’t seem to have a connection to smoking. Head and neck cancer is most likely to affect people who drink tobacco and have a history of high-risk behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or smoking.
Tobacco and alcohol use are the leading causes of head and neck cancer. Tobacco use is linked to approximately 85 percent of cases, and alcohol use has been associated with a few types of head and neck cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use are also risk factors, but they are easily curable if detected early. You can also prevent some types of head and neck cancer by avoiding the following risk factors.
