Head & neck cancer
Are there specific risk factors for head and neck cancers?
Yes. Tobacco, alcohol and prolonged sunlight exposure are the most common risk factors.
What are the warning signs of head and neck cancers?
It depends on the location of cancer. Sometimes there are no warning signs. Having any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks warrants visiting one of our specialists:
- A sore or lump on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- A white (leukoplakia) or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
- Unusual bleeding
- Pain or numbness in the mouth
- A sore throat that does not go away
- Difficult or painful chewing or swallowing
- A change in the voice like hoarseness
