What are head and neck cancers?
These types of cancer occur in the tissues that make up the head and neck. Cancers in this area of the body usually begin in the cells lining the head and neck, leading to a form of cancer called a carcinoma. They can also develop from the cells that support the various structures in the head and neck leading to sarcomas, and if developed from the lymphatic system, lymphomas.
Types of head & neck cancers:
Mouth cancer – This can develop on the lips or on the inside
of the mouth. In the mouth they can begin in the tongue, the hard palate (roof of the mouth), the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), the gums, or the inner lining of the lips or cheeks.
Oropharyngeal cancer – This develops in the part of the
throat that sits just behind the mouth, the oropharynx. It
includes the soft part of the mouth (the soft palate), the area
where the tonsils are located and the back of the throat
(the posterior pharyngeal wall).
Nasal cancer – this develops in the nostril or lining of the
nose. Cancers that develop further back, where the nasal
passages meet the throat are called nasopharyngeal cancers.
Cancer of the ear – these are very rare and most occur on
the skin of the ear.
Cancer of the eye – these are also very rare and are most
commonly associated with a cancer of the skin around the eye.
What are the causes of head and neck cancers?
These types of cancer are more commonly found in older people. They affect more men than women.
There are a number of factors that may increase your chance of getting this form of cancer that include:
Factors: Smoking - both cigarettes and pipes
Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight
Chewing tobacco or betel nuts
Exposure to certain chemicals
Exposure to a particular virus, called Epstein Barr Virus or
EBV, may cause nasopharyngeal cancer
Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer: An ulcer, or an area that is sore, that does heal after a
few weeks
Difficulty and/or pain when chewing or swallowing
Difficulty when speaking or breathing, including persistent
noisy breathing, hoarse voice or slurred speech
A numbness in your mouth
A blocked nose or nose bleed
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss or persistent earache
A swelling/lump on the face, mouth or neck
Pain in the face or upper jaw
Persistent white patches in the mouth, particularly in those
who use tobacco products
If you experience any of the symptoms described, go to your GP as soon as possible. Similar symptoms can occur in other conditions and does not necessarily mean that you have head & neck cancer.
What the GP may do
Your GP will examine you and then may refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist who will arrange for a variety of tests. These may include:
Tests may include: Nasendoscope – this involves inserting a special flexible
camera into the nasal cavity and then down the back of
the throat
Blood tests
X-rays
Computerised tomography (CT) - a special type of x-ray
that gives very detailed pictures
A bone scan - this looks for any changes in your skeleton,
using a special radioactive substance. This will not be a
problem as a very low dose of radiation is used
To get a closer look and some samples (biopsy) from the
affected area you may be admitted to hospital, so that a
special camera can be passed into your throat. This will be
done whilst you are under anaesthetic
Is Treatment available?
Treatment is available, but will be dependant on the type and extent of your disease. This will be discussed and decided with you, by your oncologist. It could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery.
What can you do?
Go to your dentist regularly for checkups and contact your GP if you are worried or concerned about any symptoms.
Concerned about Head & Neck cancers?
If you have any concerns about head and neck cancers, please call our free and confidential helpline – 0800 783 3339. Alternatively, you can email one of our cancer information nurses directly on infocis@ulstercancer.org