Head and neck cancer

You may be worried about head and neck cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about head and neck cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a cancer that starts in the head or neck, usually in the mouth, throat or sinuses.

It starts when cells in the head or neck grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Types of head and neck cancer

There are several different types of head and neck cancer, including:

• mouth cancers, such as tongue, tonsil, gum and lip cancers
• throat (pharynx) cancers, including nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers
• voice box (larynx) cancer or laryngeal cancer
• nose and sinus cancer or nasal and paranasal cancer
• salivary gland cancer
• ear cancer

These are split into sub-types depending on the cell the cancer starts in, including:

• squamous cell carcinoma
• adenocarcinoma
• cutaneous carcinoma

Related cancers

Eye (ocular) cancer, oesophageal (gullet or food pipe) cancer, thyroid cancer and brain tumours are not classed as head and neck cancers, because they are treated differently.

Cancer that starts in the lymph nodes or lymphatic system of the head and neck is called lymphoma. It is a type of blood cancer and is different from head and neck cancer.

Causes of head and neck cancer

The main factors that increase your risk of developing head and neck cancer are smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) and drinking alcohol.

There are other risk factors for head and neck cancer specifically, including:

• chewing tobacco or betel quid (paan)
• gender - men are more likely to develop head and neck cancer than women
• family history of head and neck cancer
• previous head and neck, oesophageal, lung, bladder or cervical cancer
• certain infections, including the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the Epstein Barr virus (EBV)
• compromised immune system caused by HIV, AIDS, an autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive drugs
• exposure to hardwood dust or certain chemicals including asbestos, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  
• exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight and sunbeds
• oral conditions, including oral dysplasia and gum disease

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get head and neck cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of head and neck cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer

Symptoms of head and neck cancer depend on the type of cancer and if it has spread.

Head and neck cancer often has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:

• mouth problems, such as ulcers that do not heal, red or white patches, bleeding, or bad breath
• throat problems, such as a hoarse voice, voice changes or difficulty swallowing
• pain in the mouth, throat, cheek, jaw, neck, or above or below the eyes
• numbness in the mouth or around the forehead, nose, cheek or jaw
• a lump or swelling in the neck, throat or under the jaw
• headaches or earache
• a cough that doesn't go away, or breathlessness
  
• loss of sense of smell or hearing
• a blocked or stuffy nose that doesn't go away
• nosebleeds or bloody mucus from your nose
• drooping of one side of the face
• eye problems, such as bulging in one eye, watering, or blurred or double vision
• jaw problems, such as stiffness, problems opening the mouth fully, or loose teeth in the upper jaw
• weight loss

Most people with these symptoms do not have head and neck cancer. But if you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with head and neck cancer

If you have been having symptoms of head and neck cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous conditions you have had, and if you have a family history of head and neck cancer.

The doctor might:

• examine any areas where you are having symptoms
  
• examine you by feeling your glands (lymph nodes) in your head and neck
• arrange blood tests
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for head and neck cancer

To find the cause of your symptoms, a specialist may arrange further tests, such as:

• an ultrasound scan of your neck
• a CT scan, a PET-CT scan or an MRI scan
• an endoscopy – where a camera is used to look inside your nose and throat
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of tissue from the area being checked is removed and tested

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that talking to someone helps. 

Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a head and neck cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have head and neck cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the head and neck.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or be in shock after hearing that you have head and neck cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for head and neck cancer

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. You may have more than one type of treatment.

The treatments most commonly offered for head and neck cancer are:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• chemoradiotherapy
• targeted therapies
  
• immunotherapy
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of head and neck cancer and treatment

A head and neck cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of head and neck cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for head and neck cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, head and neck cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027