]
Head and Neck Cancer
Understanding Your Diagnosis Deciding on Treatment Managing Side Effects Prevention and Screening Cancer FAQs Advanced Reading
This type of cancer can begin in any of these places: larynx, nasal cavity, mouth, paranasal sinuses, throat, or salivary glands.
Overview
Symptoms of head and neck cancer include a growth or sore in the mouth or nose, a lump in the neck, a lingering sore throat, and numbness in the face. These symptoms may also indicate other, less serious conditions.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
To help with the diagnosis, your doctor will do a thorough exam of your head and neck. Your doctor may use a flexible tube with a light at the end or a small mirror to help see your throat, the base of the tongue, and the larynx.
Deciding on Treatment
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy, which helps the immune system fight infections and other diseases.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects of treatment for head and neck cancer depend on the specific treatment given and can vary from patient to patient. Your cancer specialist will work with you to keep any side effects at a minimum.
Prevention and Screening
The best way to prevent this type of cancer is to quit smoking if you smoke. Get regular medical checkups that include an exam of the mouth, head, and neck.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about head and neck cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.
