Symptoms of head and neck cancer
Nasal obstruction on one side associated with unusual discharge.
Blocked noses are common especially after the common cold or with hayfever or other allergies, but usually the blockage is on both sides and symptoms are short-lived. When one nostril only is blocked, where there is an infected discharge especially when it is blood stained, or there is discomfort on swallowing or any facial pain and swelling too, alarm bells should ring.
These symptoms could be a sign of cancer in the naso-pharynx (the passage connecting the back of the nose to the throat) in which case urgent tests and treatment is needed. Again, smoking and heavy alcohol intake are strong contributory factors.
Swelling in the neck, present for 3 weeks plus, showing no signs of settling.
Glands in the neck frequently enlarge for a short period of time following infections such as the common cold, tonsilitis or even when acute skin infections occur such as severe acne or following a scalp wound. Some infections such as glandular fever can cause the glands to be swollen for much longer. But persistently enlarged glands, particularly if they are painless, could be the first sign of something more significant such as a malignancy in the blood or emphatic system such as leukaemia or Hodgkins disease, a local cancer in the head and neck area or even a cancer elsewhere in the body which has spread to more distant sites.
Thyroid cancer, whilst not common, and curable in most cases, often produces swelling in the middle area at the base of the neck and can occur even at a relatively young age. A single lump in this area of the neck which is increasing in size and has been present for more than 3 weeks should be reported to the doctor immediately. If there is a family history of thyroid cancer or if someone has had previous radiotherapy to the neck, it is even more important
Also, if someone is over the age of 65, has unexplained hoarseness or voice changes, has enlarged glands down the side of the neck or stridor, (when a harsh sound is made when the patient draws breath) these are additional signs making further investigations more urgent.
Unexplained changes to the 5 senses and unusual headaches.
Almost everybody in the world suffers from headaches and these are usually short-lived and easily explained. Tension headaches and migraine for example are well recognized. When headaches are very severe and occur every day, made worse by coughing or accompanied by vomiting or blurring of vision, it is much more suspicious. Always report headaches like this to your doctor to rule out the possibility of a brain tumour
Whilst seizures and convulsions are generally not caused by brain tumours, anyone having a seizure for the first time especially over the age of 35 should be assessed by a specialist. Sometimes brain tumours can press on nerves whose function is interrupted. This may cause double vision, slurred speech or inability to name things, unusual drowsiness, altered concentration or paralysis in one side of the face or down one arm or leg.
Sometimes personality changes are the first thing that is noticed. Any of these symptoms are abnormal and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
Swellings around the eye.
Tumours within the eye itself can occur but are very rare. Because the eye is soft and moveable however, it can be displaced by changes in other structures around it. It may be pushed forwards or sideways by changes in nerve tissue from inside the head or from the optic nerve behind. It can also be affected by spread of tumours from elsewhere such as in leukaemia or in kidney tumours. Never ignore swellings around the eye therefore which have no obvious explanation.
If everyone who ever suffered from any of the above symptoms reported them immediately to the doctor much suffering and hardship would be avoided and lives undoubtedly saved. That is our aim. Not being afraid, but being aware and acting responsibly is the key.
The medical world is doing their bit to diagnose quickly and accurately and to fast track patients for necessary treatment. We get better results all the time. But the first step has to be taken by the patient themselves. So familiarize yourself with the above symptoms, and if you or anybody you know seems to be developing them, act immediately. Hopefully you will never have to put your knowledge to use, but you just never know.