Head and neck cancers can originate in any tissue or organ within the head and neck. There are over 30 sites in the head and neck which can be affected by cancer. This is a rare group of cancer with 7,800 people diagnosed within the UK per year. This cancer group has four main types of cancer.

• Adenocarcinomas: This cancer can originate in cells which make up the glandular lining.
• Lymphomas: Originate in cells of the lymphatic system.
• Melanomas: Cancer can originate in melanocytes cells (these cells create colour for the skin and eyes).

Things to look out for

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Persistent mouth ulcer(s).
• Pain when swallowing or chewing and or trouble swallowing.
• Persistent sore throat and or earache troubling one side of the body.
• A lump and or swelling in the neck or mouth.
• Trouble to speak or breathe, you may experience constant hoarseness or loud breathing.
• Tooth loss.
• Pain of the upper jaw or face.
• A continuing sore throat and or blocked nose/ nose bleeds.
• Changes or difficulty in hearing (ringing in ear).
• Red (erythroplakia) or white (leukoplakia) areas which form on the tongue or lining of mouth. These can sometimes bleed or become sore.
• Swelling of singular or multiple lymph nodes.

There may be further symptoms but these will be dependant on where the cancer/tumour has originated from. You can discuss these with your consultant/doctor or nurse.