What Are the Symptoms?

• A lump in the neck may be an enlarged lymph node due to cancer. Head and neck cancers spread to lymph nodes under the skin that become enlarged and painless. Lymph nodes also enlarge in response to infections. A doctor should see any lump in the neck that persists for two weeks or more.
• Change in the voice may be hoarseness or an inability to talk loudly. See a doctor for any change in voice quality that persists for two weeks or more for a laryngeal examination by an ENT physician (otolaryngologist).
• An ulcer, white plaque or red patch in the mouth that does not go away may be a developing cancer.
• Bringing up blood is often caused by something other than cancer. Talk to your doctor if you bring up blood or rusty-colored mucous or saliva.
• Swallowing problems almost every time you attempt to swallow food or water.
• Constant pain in or around the ear when you swallow can be a sign of infection or tumor growth pushing on nerves.

If you have any of these symptoms, or notice unusual swelling that lasts longer than two weeks, make sure to see your doctor.

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.