Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that are located in the head, neck, throat, nose, and sinuses. Symptoms can include pain when swallowing, white patches on your tongue or mouth, and even changes in the voice or hoarseness. You may also experience pain in the ear and swollen lymph nodes. Decreased sense of smell or a block or congested nose that imply will not clear are warning signs of cancer in the nose. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor. Head and neck cancer treatments are available and include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Dr. Madison Richardson is a skilled and experienced doctor in Beverly Hills who can help you. If you are looking for head and neck cancer treatment or diagnosis, please contact Dr. Madison Richardson as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
What causes cancers of the head and neck?
Alcohol and tobacco use are the biggest causes of head and neck cancer, alcohol and tobacco use causes a significant risk for oral cancers and the voice box in the throat. This risk factor includes secondhand smoke and chewing tobacco use as well. The use of both alcohol and tobacco creates a bigger risk factor for developing cancer than a person who uses only one substance. Most cancers that develop in the head and neck are caused by the use of alcohol and tobacco.
Being diagnosed with HPV is also a high risk to develop oropharyngeal cancer in the base of the tongue or tonsils. The diagnosis of cancers in the back of the throat and mouth in relation to an HPV diagnosis has been on the rise, as opposed to diagnosis from different causes, if you have been diagnosed with HPV, be sure to mention this to Dr. Richardson.
Symptoms of head and neck cancers to be aware of
There are certain things to look out for regarding head and neck cancers, including
Symptoms to be aware of in regards to head and neck cancer include a sore inside of your throat or mouth that is long-term, a mass in the neck, a consistent severe sore throat, having a hard time swallowing, or changes to the voice. It is important to mention thee symptoms to Dr. Richardson, as they might also be indicators of different diagnosis’.
These are the typical areas where symptoms will manifest:
Oral cavity. Swelling or a mass growing on the jaw, red or white patches on your tongue, gums or inside of the mouth, or unusual pain or bleeding from your mouth.
Throat (pharynx). Experiencing pain when you swallow, persistent pain in your neck or throat, difficulty hearing, or ringing or pain inside of your ears.
Voice box (larynx). Difficulty speaking or breathing, and pain when you swallow.
Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Your sinuses are persistently congested accompanied by chronic sinus infections that are unresponsive to treatment, nose bleeds, eye problems including swelling, reoccurring headaches, or a feeling of pain in the top teeth.
Salivary glands. Swelling around the jaw and chin area, facial pain or face muscles numbing, or pain in your neck, jaw and chin areas that is persistent.