Head Neck Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary from disease to disease. They are often related to the tumor’s location, such as eye cancer causing vision problems and throat cancer causing problems with chewing and swallowing.
The most common symptoms of head and neck cancer include:
- A painless lump in the neck
- Vision changes and problems, including double vision
- Hearing loss, usually in just one ear
- Dizziness or balance challenges
- Voice changes, including hoarseness
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Trouble breathing and speaking
- Trouble chewing and swallowing
- Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose
- Nose bleeds
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Pain in the head and neck area, including in the throat and ear
In addition, some head and neck cancers impact hormone levels. Symptoms of these cancers include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Bone pain or broken bones
- Kidney stones
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems.
Learn more about the specific symptoms for:
- Eye cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Parathyroid disease
- Pituitary tumors
- Retinoblastoma
- Salivary gland cancer
- Skull base tumors
- Throat cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Some cases of head and neck cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
