Head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer signs and symptoms

Symptoms depend on the site of the cancer, however you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• pain

• swelling

• a hoarse voice

• a sore throat that doesn’t get better

• coughing all the time

• difficulties swallowing

• bad breath

• unexplained weight loss.

Causes of head and neck cancers

There are a number of risk factors associated with head and neck cancers. The main risk factors are alcohol consumption and tobacco. Head and neck cancers are more common in people over the age of 40 and men are about three times more likely than women to develop a head or neck cancer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to develop head and neck cancer than other Australians.

Other risk factors include:

• viruses including the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to head and neck cancers

• a weakened immune system

• oral hygiene - poor oral health including gum disease have been linked to cancers of the oral cavity

• being overweight or obese

• smoking or chewing betel nut, areca nut, gutka or pan

• sun exposure (for head and neck skin cancer)

• having radiation therapy to the head and neck area in the past

• inheriting a condition linked to head and neck cancer such as Fanconi anaemia or Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Diagnosis of head and neck cancers

If you notice any symptoms, contact your GP. You can also tell your dentist about any mouth sores, swelling or change of colour in your mouth as dentists are trained to look for signs of mouth cancer.

Your doctor will physically examine your neck, ears, eyes, nose, mouth or throat, depending on your symptoms. Other tests will use an endoscope, needle or surgery to take a biopsy.

After a diagnosis of head and neck cancers  

After being diagnosed with a head or neck cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of a head or neck cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities. 

You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment. 

Find out more about best head and neck cancers care:  

Treatment of head and neck cancers

Treatment for head and neck cancers can affect your teeth, gums and mouth. Some preparations before treatment begins may include:

• seeing a dentist
• consulting a dietitian to help improve your diet and nutrition as you may lose a lot of weight
• beginning an exercise program to help build up your strength
• quitting smoking as you may not respond to treatment as well as someone who doesn’t smoke.

Treatment Team

• GP (General Practitioner) - looks after your general health and works with your specialists to coordinate treatment.
• Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist- treats disorders of the ear, nose and throat
• Head and neck surgeon- diagnoses and treats cancers of the head and neck.
• Oral surgeon- treats disorders of the mouth, face and jaws.
• Reconstructive (plastic) surgeon- performs any complex reconstructive surgery that restores or repairs the body's appearance and function.
• Medical oncologist - prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy.
• Radiation oncologist - prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment.
• Dentist- evaluates and treats the mouth and teeth
• Oncology nurse- cares for people who are diagnosed with cancer throughout treatment.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison officer- if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the liaison officer will support you and your family during treatment and recovery.
• Other allied health professionals - such as social workers, pharmacists, and counsellors.

Screening for head and neck cancers

There is currently no national screening program for head and neck cancer available in Australia. 

White plaques or patches in the mouth (leukoplakia) may precede the development of the cancer. 

Preventing head and neck cancers

The risk of head and neck cancers can be reduced by not smoking (or quitting) and reducing alcohol consumption. 

Prognosis for head and neck cancers

Prognosis means the expected outcome of a disease. Your prognosis depends your test results, the type of head and neck cancer, the tumour's HPV status, the rate and depth of tumour growth and other factors such as your age and general health at the time of diagnosis. 

The earlier a head and neck cancer is diagnosed the better the outcomes.