Many of the symptoms of head and neck cancer can also be caused by other conditions. If these symptoms are persistent, consult your doctor.

Head and neck cancers may cause any of the following symptoms:

Oral cancer

• A lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal
• A white or red patch in the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw so that dentures don’t fit properly
• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
• Throat cancer
• Ear pain
• Swallowing difficulties
• A sore throat that won’t go away
• Hoarseness or other change in the voice
• Unexplained weight loss
• Trouble hearing
• Trouble breathing or speaking
• Ringing in the ears
• Frequent headaches
• Swollen chin or jawbone
• Numbness of muscles in the face
• Persistent pain in the face, chin, or neck

Sinus and nasal cavity cancer

• Blocked sinuses that do not clear
• Frequent sinus infections that don’t respond to treatment
• Nosebleeds
• Frequent headaches
• Swelling of the eyes
• Pain in the upper teeth
• Problems with dentures
• Metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary
• Persistent pain in the neck
• Persistent pain in the throat

Learn more about head and neck cancer:

• Types of Head and Neck Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors
• Head and Neck Cancer Stages
• Rehabilitation After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery