Head and Neck Cancer Facts: Screening, Signs and Symptoms

Head and Neck Cancer Screening

It is not easy or common to screen for head and neck cancer. Professional health organizations such as the American Cancer Society do not recommend screening for head and neck cancer because it is not a common type of cancer. Screening tests require specialized doctors, and it is unknown if screening decreases the risk of developing the cancer. However, some physicians and dentists may be able to detect head and neck cancer while doing routine exams. The oral cancer screening (head and neck exam) is one of the most critical components of a routine dental hygiene exam. Dental hygienists and dentists can alert patients to suspicious growths or changes and urge them to seek medical care.

Since screening for head and neck cancer is limited, it is important to try and reduce your risk factors and learn to recognize signs and symptoms. Many types of head and neck cancer can be found early if you share your signs and symptoms with your doctor right away.

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Many types of head and neck cancer can be found early. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor if you think you notice signs and symptoms in order to start treatment as soon as possible.

Many Types of Head and Neck Cancer Share the Following Symptoms:

Lump or sore that does not heal
Sore throat that does not go away
Difficulty swallowing
Voice changes or hoarseness

Other cancer symptoms may vary, depending on location.

Oral Cavity (Mouth): Symptoms may include red or white patches on the tongue, gums or mouth lining; jaw swelling; or unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth.
Salivary Glands: Symptoms may include swelling around the jawbone or under the chin; paralysis or numbness of face muscles; or face, neck or chin pain that will not go away.
Nasal Cavity and Sinuses: Symptoms may include blocked sinuses that won't clear, long-term sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics, nose bleeds, frequent headaches, eye swelling or other problems, pain in the top teeth, or denture problems.
Nasopharynx: Symptoms may include trouble speaking, trouble breathing, frequent headaches, ringing or pain in the ears, or problems hearing
Oropharynx: The most common symptom is ear pain.
Larynx: Symptoms may include voice changes, hoarseness, ear pain or pain when swallowing.
Locally Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: The most common symptom is a painless swelling of the neck. Another common symptom could be neck throat pain that will not go away.

Be sure to discuss any signs or symptoms with your doctor. He or she will be able to determine if the cause of your symptoms may be head and neck cancer or another condition.

Learn more head and neck cancer facts on our Diagnosis and Treatment Options page.

Chemotherapy can be managed through education preparation. To be better equipped to help yourself and your family, visit the Helpful Resource section.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Taxotere® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

Taxotere® should not be given to patients with low white–blood-cell counts, abnormal liver function, or a history of allergic reactions to Taxotere® or any of the ingredients in Taxotere®.

Before each Taxotere® treatment, all patients treated with Taxotere® must receive another medicine called dexamethasone. This drug can help reduce the risk of fluid retention (edema) and allergic reactions.

Taxotere® should be administered only under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer treatments. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere® in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The most common severe side effects are low white–blood-cell count, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation. Low white–blood-cell count can lead to life-threatening infections. The earliest sign of infection may be fever, so tell your doctor right away if you have a fever.

Other common side effects from Taxotere® include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, infusion-site reactions, odd sensations (such as numbness, tingling, or burning) or weakness in the hands and feet, nail changes, muscle and/or bone pain, or excessive tearing.

Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive Taxotere®. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Taxotere®.

Before receiving Taxotere®, tell your doctor if

You have any allergies
You are taking any other medicines — including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements

When taking Taxotere®, contact your doctor if

You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (warm sensation, tightness in your chest, itching/hives, or shortness of breath)
You experience any other side effects

Please see adjacent page for patient information leaflet for detailed information about these side effects, and talk to your doctor about any questions you may have.

Taxotere Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Gastric Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and flouroucil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocercinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Head and neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and flourouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell cercinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).