Head and neck
Head and neck cancer warning signs
Persistent mouth, throat, voice, swallowing, or neck symptoms deserve timely assessment.
Not all persistent symptoms are cancer, but early evaluation matters. ENT assessment can examine the mouth, throat, larynx, nose, neck, thyroid, and salivary glands.
01
Common symptoms
Neck lump
Persistent hoarseness
Mouth ulcer that does not heal
Difficulty swallowing
Blood in saliva or nose
02
How ENT evaluation may be done
Complete head and neck examination
Flexible naso laryngoscopy
Imaging when needed
FNAC of neck lump
Biopsy of suspicious lesions
03
Treatment options
Fast referral for suspicious findings
Biopsy based diagnosis
Multidisciplinary planning
Surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy discussion when cancer is confirmed
Supportive care for speech and swallowing
04
Home care and preparation
Do not ignore persistent symptoms
Avoid tobacco and betel nut exposure
Bring old biopsy or imaging reports
Seek early review
05
Questions to ask during consultation
Is this symptom suspicious?
Do I need endoscopy?
Do I need biopsy?
What is the next step if cancer is suspected?
Warning signs
When to seek urgent care
Breathing difficulty, bleeding, rapidly enlarging neck swelling, severe swallowing difficulty, or airway symptoms need urgent care.
This page is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.