Head and neck cancers

Symptoms depend on the site of the cancer, however you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• pain

• swelling

• a hoarse voice

• a sore throat that doesn’t get better

• coughing all the time

• difficulties swallowing

• bad breath

• unexplained weight loss

There are a number of risk factors associated with the development of head and neck cancers. The main risk factors are alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars and pipes) and having had human papillomavirus (HPV). If you drink and smoke, your risk is much greater than if you only drink or only smoke.

Head and neck cancers are more common in people over the age of 40. Men are about three times more likely to develop a head or neck cancer than women. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to develop head and neck cancer than other Australians.

Other risk factors include:

• having persistent sores or red or white patches in the mouth

• breathing in asbestos fibres, wood dust or certain chemicals

• viruses including the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to head and neck cancers

• a weakened immune system

• oral hygiene - poor oral health including gum disease have been linked to cancers of the oral cavity

• being overweight or obese

• smoking or chewing betel nut, areca nut, gutka or pan

• sun exposure

• having radiation therapy to the head and neck area in the past

• inheriting a condition linked to head and neck cancer such as Fanconi anaemia or Li-Fraumeni syndrome

If you notice any symptoms, contact your GP. You can also tell your dentist about any mouth sores, swelling or change of colour in your mouth as dentists are trained to look for signs of mouth cancer.

Your doctor will physically examine your neck, ears, eyes, nose, mouth or throat, depending on your symptoms. Other tests will use an endoscope, needle or surgery to take a biopsy.

After a diagnosis of head and neck cancers

After being diagnosed with a head or neck cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of a head or neck cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities.

You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment.

Find out more about the best head and neck cancers care:

What should happen next?

This resource can help guide you and your loved ones after your diagnosis. 

Guide to best care for head and neck cancers

Treatment for head and neck cancers can affect your teeth, gums and mouth. Some preparations before treatment begins may include:

• seeing a dentist
• consulting a dietitian to help improve your diet and nutrition as you may lose a lot of weight
• beginning an exercise program to help build up your strength
• quitting smoking as you may not respond to treatment as well as someone who doesn’t smoke
• avoiding alcohol as it can irritate mouth sores from the cancer or the treatment.

Treatment Team

• GP (General Practitioner) -

  looks after your general health and works with your specialists to coordinate treatment.

• Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist -

  treats disorders of the ear, nose and throat

• Head and neck surgeon -

  diagnoses and treats cancers of the head and neck.

• Oral surgeon -

  treats disorders of the mouth, face and jaws.

• Reconstructive (plastic) surgeon -

  performs any complex reconstructive surgery that restores or repairs the body's appearance and function.

• Medical oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy.

• Radiation oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment.

• Dentist -

  evaluates and treats the mouth and teeth

• Oncology nurse -

  cares for people who are diagnosed with cancer throughout treatment.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison officer -

  if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the liaison officer will support you and your family during treatment and recovery.

• Other allied health professionals -

  such as social workers, pharmacists, and counsellors

There is currently no national screening program for head and neck cancer available in Australia.

White plaques or patches in the mouth (leukoplakia) may precede the development of the cancer.

The risk of head and neck cancers can be reduced by not smoking (or quitting) and reducing alcohol consumption.

Prognosis means the expected outcome of a disease. Your prognosis depends your test results, the type of head and neck cancer, the tumour's HPV status, the rate and depth of tumour growth and other factors such as your age and general health at the time of diagnosis.

The earlier a head and neck cancer is diagnosed the better the outcomes.