Persistent throat pain, a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, or voice changes can be early signs of head and neck cancers and should not be ignored. When caught early, the prognosis for many head and neck cancers can be strong. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our doctors provide prompt, thorough diagnoses and treatments to ensure optimal outcomes.
Notice a Neck Lump That Isn’t Improving?
Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develop in areas responsible for breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. They can affect the throat, oral cavities (including the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, and mouth), voice box, nasal passages, sinuses, and even salivary glands. Head and neck cancers account for 4% of all cancer cases in the United States. When detected early, many head and neck cancers are highly treatable with excellent outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancers
Symptoms of head & neck cancers can develop gradually and are often easy to dismiss at first, especially when they resemble common infections or irritation. If these issues persist or worsen, they may signal something more serious.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Ongoing sore throat or throat pain
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Ear pain without an ear infection
- Unexplained weight loss
What Causes Head & Neck Cancers?
The tissues of the head and neck are constantly exposed to what you breathe, eat, and drink, making them vulnerable to irritation and cellular changes over time. Head and neck cancers develop when these cells grow abnormally, often due to long-term exposure to certain risk factors or infections that damage healthy tissue and DNA.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy or long-term alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips or face
- Poor oral hygiene
- Environmental or workplace toxin exposure
Your Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Experience
Your care begins with a focused, unhurried visit where you meet directly with one of our ENTs. You’ll talk through your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and how they’re affecting your daily life. We review your medical history in detail and perform a careful head-and-neck exam while explaining what we’re looking for along the way.
Head & Neck Cancer Evaluation
During your evaluation, you may undergo a thorough physical exam of the throat, mouth, neck, and voice box, along with an in-office endoscopy to closely view hard-to-see areas. We may also recommend imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, to assess the size, location, and spread of a tumor. If needed, a biopsy is performed to confirm a diagnosis. This allows your ENT to determine the cancer type, stage, and most effective treatment path.
Head & Neck Cancer Surgery
If surgery is recommended, your surgeon aims to fully remove the cancer while protecting vital functions like breathing, swallowing, and speech. Depending on the location, this may involve removing the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding tissue to ensure no cancer cells remain. Many procedures are performed through the mouth or nose using specialized scopes and instruments, avoiding external incisions when possible. If the neck lymph nodes are involved, they may also be removed to prevent further spread.
Head & Neck Cancers FAQs
What Are the Earliest Signs I Should Watch For?
Early symptoms may include a persistent sore throat, changes in your voice, a lump in your neck, difficulty swallowing, or a mouth sore that does not heal. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you must undergo a thorough evaluation by an ENT.
Are Head and Neck Cancers Treatable?
Yes. Many head and neck cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments, depending on the cancer type and stage.
Will Surgery Affect My Ability to Speak or Swallow?
Your surgeon carefully plans treatment to protect speech and swallowing whenever possible. While temporary changes can occur, many patients regain normal or near-normal function with healing and supportive therapy.
Do All Patients Need Lymph Node Removal?
Not always. Lymph nodes are removed only if imaging or evaluation shows possible or potential spread.
What Happens After Treatment Is Complete?
You’ll continue regular follow-up visits so your ENT can monitor healing, check for recurrence, and manage long-term function.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted part of the South Sound community, having served patients and families in the region for more than 40 years. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs always offer personalized, compassionate care, taking the time to explain your diagnosis and guide you through every decision. You’re never rushed and never treated like a number. If you’re suffering from symptoms that may indicate a head or neck cancer, schedule a consultation with our team in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, without delay.
