What can you do to look for early signs of Head and Neck Cancer?
Finding cancer early is important for all cancers. Unfortunately, there are no formal screening tests or national screening programs for Head and Neck Cancer. The following signs and symptoms are common for many types of Head and Neck Cancer:
- A neck lump
- A lump or sore that does not heal
- A red or white patch in the mouth
- Swelling, bleeding, pain or numbness in the face or within the mouth
- Trouble speaking
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A sore throat that doesn’t get better after a week or two
- Ear pain that doesn’t go away
You know your own body better than anyone else. If you think that something isn’t right or if you have any of these signs or symptoms for three weeks speak with your doctor or dentist.
There are up to 40 different sites and sub-sites of Head and Neck Cancer. Here, most head and neck cancers and sub-sites are grouped into 10 main types.
Includes / also known as:
- Pyriform sinus cancer
- Post-cricoid cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Cancer of the soft palate
- Tonsil cancer
- Tongue Base cancer / Base of tongue cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Pyriform sinus cancer
- Post-cricoid cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Cancer of voice box
- Vocal cord cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Supraglottic cancer
- Glottic cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Mouth cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Gum cancer (alveolus / gingiva / gum)
- Teeth cancer
- Jaw cancer
- Floor of mouth cancer
- Mandible / jaw cancer
- Hard palate cancer
- Retromolar trigone
- Buccal (inside of cheek)
Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Nasal cancer
- Sinus cancer
- Nose cancer
- Maxillary cancer
- Maxillary sinus cancer
Includes / also known as:
- Parotid tumour
- Submandibular tumour
- Sublingual tumour
Includes / also known as:
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid carcinoma
- Hurthle cell cancer / carcinoma
- Medullary thyroid cancer / carcinoma
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer / carcinoma
Includes / also known as:
- Melanoma
- Lip cancer
- Non-melanoma skin cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- Face cancer
Supportive care can look like:
- A clinical nurse consultant
- A supportive care specialist or palliative care doctor who is very skilled in helping with difficult symptoms
- A dietitian to help you with your diet and nutrition
- A speech pathologist to help with changes in speech, voice and swallowing
- A physiotherapist to help your movement
- An exercise physiologist to help you exercise
- A dentist to look after your teeth and mouth health
- A psychologist to help you with your emotions
- A social worker or financial adviser to help you with practical and financial needs
Bloomhill hosts a Head and Neck Cancer Support Group. For further information contact Carol on 0405 478020
The head and neck cancer website has helpful information Health & Wellbeing | Head and Neck Cancer Australia or reach out to Bloomhill Nurses.
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
