Medical history:
Gender: Both men and women can be diagnosed with head or neck cancer, but men have double the risk of developing this disease.
Poor Nutrition: Diets that don’t include enough vitamins A and B can raise a person’s risk.
Exposure: Certain workplace exposures, chemical or radioactive elements, particularly those that can be breathed in put a person at a greater risk, especially for nasal or paranasal sinus cavity cancer. Prolonged sun exposure to unprotected skin is also a risk factor.
Signs & Symptoms
They are different for each patient. It’s important to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your physician.
Lumps, or masses in the head and neck area(s). Some can cause pain, but not all do
Screening & Diagnostic Testing
A complete physical exam and medical history should be done. The exam will check for any unusual physical signs. A complete medical history is also important to fully understand a person’s health habits, family history, previous illnesses, and past exposure.
Having your dentist perform regular dental checkups is also a very important screening for head and neck cancer.
Additional testing may include:
National Cancer Institute
Head and Neck Cancer - Patient Version
American Cancer Society
Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Oral Cavity (Mouth) and Oropharyngeal (Throat) Cancer
Nasal Cavity (Nose) and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network