Symptoms

Head and Neck Cancers come in a very wide variety of forms, including Oral Cancer, Throat Cancer and Thyroid Cancer.

Symptoms vary depending upon the type of Head and Neck Cancer. In general, you should consult your GP and expect a referral if you have any one of the following symptoms for more than three weeks.

  • Sore tongue
  • Non-healing mouth ulcers and/or red or white patches in the mouth
  • Pain in the throat
  • Painful and/or difficulty swallowing
  • Lump in the neck
  • Persistent hoarseness
  • Blocked nose on one side and/or bloody discharge from the nose
These symptoms are not exhaustive of all Head and Neck Cancers. Macmillan Cancer Support provide an excellent resource, detailing the different types of Head and Neck Cancer, as well as the symptoms that can be associated with each type in more detail.

Macmillan website - Types of Head and Neck Cancer

Macmillan website - Signs & Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

If you are concerned that you may have any of the symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer then please do see your GP as soon as possible.

The below two videos provide an overview of Head and Neck Cancer and outline the role pharmacies can play in supporting earlier detection.