Head and neck cancer are cancers that begin in the throat, nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, or larynx. These cancers often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck and this is often the first, and sometimes only, sign of disease at time of diagnosis. However, prior to receiving an actual diagnosis of head and neck cancer, there may be a few symptoms that are detectable. They can include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump or sore that does not heal
• Hoarseness in the voice
• Swelling under the chin and/or around the jawbone
• Pain or ringing in the ears

If you feel you have any of these symptoms, or consume alcohol or tobacco, which are high risk factors for head and neck cancers, consult your physician today for diagnostic testing.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is defined as a sore or growth in the mouth and includes cancers of the cheeks, tongue, lips, sinus, and bottom of the mouth. It is the cause of over 8,000 deaths a year due to the cancer being discovered late in its development.

Oral cancer symptoms can include but are not limited to:

• Measurable weight loss
• The growth of white or red splotches in the mouth
• Abnormal bleeding in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking

If you have any of these symptoms or have already been diagnosed and are looking for oral cancer treatment, please don’t hesitate to call Mid Florida Cancer Centers toll free at (866) 977 – 6322.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is defined as any cancer that begins in your throat, voice box, or tonsils. Unlike other cancers, throat cancer symptoms are often noticeable in the early stages of the disease. Some signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:

• Hoarseness
• Throat discomfort or a feeling of a lump in the throat
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• An actual lump in the throat

Some factors that may increase your risk of developing these symptoms and throat cancer may be:

• Tobacco use – chewing and smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Personal history with the human papillomavirus (HPV)

For more information and a consultation of your throat cancer treatment options, contact Mid Florida Cancer Centers at (866) 977 – 6322 today.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer can affect people of all ages. It starts in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the lower neck. Often, the first symptom is a lump in the area of the neck where the thyroid gland is, followed by pain and changes in the voice. Experts have yet to pinpoint an exact cause for this particular form of cancer but exposure to high amounts of radiation from nuclear plants or radiation therapy can increase the risks of development.

If you have a lump in your throat and feel it may cancerous, your doctor can do a biopsy of the cells in your thyroid gland. If the biopsy comes back positive, the cancer treatment you will need depends on the type of thyroid cancer you have and the stage it is in as well as your age.