Head & Neck Cancer is a group of cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose, sinuses, salivary glands, or thyroid gland. Most of these cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the inner surfaces of these areas. Common risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, poor oral hygiene, and prolonged sun exposure. Early symptoms may include a non-healing mouth ulcer, difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, hoarseness of voice, or a lump in the neck. Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly improve survival rates and help preserve important functions like speech and swallowing.
You should consult a Head & Neck Cancer specialist if you experience a non-healing mouth ulcer, persistent sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, voice changes lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, or a lump in the neck. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in successful treatment and better recovery outcomes.
