30 Apr Persistent Sore Throat? It Might Be a Symptom of This Condition

In 2020, head and neck cancer was the 7th most common cancer around the world, accounting for more than 900,000 new cases in the same year. Men have a higher mortality rate and incidence as compared to women, particularly for lip, oral cavity, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers.  

Survival rates for head and neck cancer can be 61% to 90% for more specific types of cancers, especially for lip, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, and tongue cancer.  

Common symptoms of head and neck cancers include:  

• Persistent sore throat  

• Ongoing earache symptoms or ear infections  

• Frequent headaches  

• Face or neck pain that won’t go away  

• Upper teeth pain  

• Pain when you chew or swallow  

• Trouble breathing or speaking  

There might also be signs that might become noticeable, such as:  

• Lump in the throat, neck, or mouth  

• Mouth or tongue sores that don’t heal  

• Frequent nosebleeds  

• Bloody saliva or phlegm  

• Red or white patches inside your mouth  

• Swelling in the jaw, side of your face, or neck  

What Causes Head and Neck Cancer?  

Any type of cancer is caused by the formation of a malignant cell. With head and neck cancer, several risk factors can increase your chances of developing it, including:  

• Tobacco use  

• Alcohol consumption  

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)  

• Chewing betel nut  

• Too much sun exposure  

• Poor oral hygiene  

• Family history of the disease  

What Are the Available Treatments?  

Treatment for this type of cancer usually involves surgery, including:  

• Radiation therapy  

• Chemotherapy  

• Targeted therapy  

• Immunotherapy  

• Palliative care  

If you have been diagnosed with head or neck cancer, stay close to your loved ones for support and do not hesitate to ask questions to your healthcare provider to know more about your condition.