Head and neck cancers

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers

Common symptoms include:  

• an ulcer in the mouth that doesn’t heal within 3 weeks;
• red or white patches in the mouth that don’t go away within a few weeks;
• difficulty swallowing or pain when chewing or swallowing;
• changes to your voice for more than 3 weeks (for example, hoarseness);
• a persistent or painful sore throat;
• a persistent earache on one side for more than four weeks;
• an unexplained swelling or lump in the face, mouth or neck.

Less common symptoms include:

• a loose tooth for more than 3 weeks;
• a blocked nose or nosebleeds;
• pain or numbness in the face or upper jaw.

Although these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, it’s important to have them checked out by your GP or dentist, particularly if they continue.