Have you noticed a persistent neck lump, non-healing mouth ulcer, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a swelling in your throat, thyroid, or salivary gland? These symptoms may be caused by a head and neck tumour. While many tumours are benign (non-cancerous), some may represent head and neck cancer, making early diagnosis extremely important.
Head and neck cancer can affect the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box (larynx), thyroid gland, salivary glands, nose, sinuses, and neck lymph nodes. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes.
If you have a persistent neck swelling, mouth ulcer, or voice change, consult an ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon in Thane for expert evaluation.
What is Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that develop in the:
- Mouth (Oral Cancer)
- Tongue
- Throat (Pharyngeal Cancer)
- Voice Box (Laryngeal Cancer)
- Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
- Salivary Glands (Parotid & Submandibular Glands)
- Thyroid Gland
- Neck Lymph Nodes
Not every lump is cancer. Many swellings are caused by infections or benign tumours. However, any persistent swelling should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer
Common warning signs include:
- Neck lump or swelling lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Non-healing mouth ulcer
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarseness lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Pain while swallowing
- Ear pain without an ear infection
- Blood in saliva
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth without dental disease
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the parotid gland or submandibular gland
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Smoke cigarettes or bidis
- Chew tobacco or gutkha
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Chew betel nut (supari)
- Have HPV infection (certain throat cancers)
- Have poor oral hygiene
- Have prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer)
However, head and neck cancer can also occur in people without these risk factors.
Common Head & Neck Tumours
Your ENT specialist evaluates both benign and malignant tumours, including:
Oral Cancer
Cancer involving the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips or floor of the mouth.
Throat Cancer
Cancer affecting the pharynx that may present with sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or neck swelling.
Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer
Usually presents with persistent hoarseness or voice changes.
Thyroid Tumours
Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some may be thyroid cancer.
Salivary Gland Tumours
Tumours affecting the parotid gland, submandibular gland, or sublingual glands.
Neck Lumps
Persistent enlarged lymph nodes may occasionally be the first sign of head and neck cancer.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is essential.
Evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive ENT examination
- Neck examination
- Flexible Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy
- Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (when required)
- Ultrasound of the neck
- Ultrasound-Guided FNAC
- Biopsy
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- PET-CT Scan (when indicated)
- Blood investigations
Treatment for Head & Neck Cancer
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.
It may include:
Surgery
Removal of benign or malignant tumours.
Radiation Therapy
Often recommended after surgery or as primary treatment in selected cases.
Chemotherapy
Used for advanced cancers or in combination with radiation therapy.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Recommended for selected patients based on the cancer type.
Treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible outcome.
Can an ENT Specialist Diagnose Head & Neck Cancer?
Yes.
An ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon is often the first doctor to evaluate patients with:
- Persistent neck swelling
- Mouth ulcers
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Thyroid nodules
- Salivary gland swellings
Early evaluation allows timely diagnosis and referral for appropriate treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Seema Gupta?
- Experienced ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon
- Expertise in evaluating suspected head and neck cancers
- Advanced assessment using Flexible Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy
- Evaluation of thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumours, oral lesions, and neck swellings
- Guidance regarding FNAC, biopsy, ultrasound, CT, and MRI
- Evidence-based, compassionate care
Head & Neck Cancer Specialist in Thane
Dr. Seema Gupta (MBBS, MS ENT, DNB, MRCS-ENT UK) provides expert evaluation for head and neck cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, laryngeal cancer, thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumours, neck lumps, and other head and neck disorders.
Consultation available at:
- Signita Wellness, Kasarvadavali, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
- Highland Hospital, Kolshet Road, Thane West
If you have a persistent neck lump, non-healing mouth ulcer, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, schedule an early evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box, nose, salivary glands, thyroid gland, or neck lymph nodes.
2.Is every neck lump cancer?
No. Most neck lumps are caused by infections or benign conditions. However, any lump lasting more than 2–3 weeks should be evaluated.
3.What are the early signs of head and neck cancer?
Early symptoms may include a persistent neck lump, mouth ulcer that does not heal, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, or unexplained weight loss.
4.Who is at higher risk?
Smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol use, HPV infection, and betel nut chewing are major risk factors.
5.Can head and neck cancer be cured?
Many head and neck cancers are treatable and potentially curable, especially when diagnosed early.
6.How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve Flexible Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy, ultrasound, FNAC, biopsy, CT scan, MRI, or PET-CT, depending on the suspected site.
7.Which doctor should I consult for suspected head and neck cancer?
An ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon is the appropriate specialist for evaluating persistent neck lumps, oral lesions, hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, thyroid nodules, and salivary gland swellings.
8.When should I see an ENT specialist?
Seek evaluation if you have symptoms lasting more than 2–3 weeks, especially a neck lump, hoarseness, non-healing mouth ulcer, persistent sore throat, or difficulty swallowing.