Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer in the head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat and lymph nodes in the neck. Most begin in the moist tissues around the mouth, nose and throat. Symptoms include:
* A lump or sore that will not heal
* Sore throat that does not go away
* Difficulty swallowing
* Voice changes or hoarseness
Consumption of snuff or alcoholic beverages increases the risk. In fact, 85 percent of cancers in the head and neck are associated with snuff consumption, including smoking and smokeless snuff. If detected early, these cancers are often curable. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination. The treatments can affect eating, speaking and even breathing, so it is possible that the patient needs rehabilitation.