Head & Neck Cancer

Signs & Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Early detection is key. Common symptoms include:
  • A lump or sore that doesn’t go away
  • Persistent sore throat
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Men are twice as likely to have head and neck cancers, especially those who use tobacco (smoking and smokeless) or alcohol. Another risk factor is infection with HPV (human papillomavirus).
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doctor examining patient's throat

Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

To confirm a diagnosis of head or neck cancer, your ENT specialist may perform:
  • A comprehensive physical exam
  • Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
  • A biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken and analyzed for cancer cells
Treatment depends on the location, stage, and type of cancer and may involve:
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Radiation therapy to target cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy, often in combination with other treatments

Some treatments may affect speaking, swallowing, or breathing. In these cases, rehabilitation services such as speech and swallowing therapy can play an essential role in recovery and quality of life.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to see an ENT specialist as soon as possible. The board-certified otolaryngologists at Austin ENT Clinic are specially trained to diagnose and treat head and neck cancer. Request an appointment online or call our office at to arrange a consultation.

Cancer Treatment

Cancers can develop in various areas of the head and neck, including the throat, mouth, nose, salivary glands, sinuses, and lymph nodes. Most head and neck cancers begin in the moist mucosal surfaces that line these regions and can affect critical functions like breathing, speaking, and swallowing.

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