Finding cancer early is important for all cancers. Cancer screening means having a test to look for cancer that you do not know you have. Screening means that cancer may be found before it has grown very big or spread to other parts of your body. Unfortunately there are no formal screening tests or national screening programs for head and neck cancer.
The following signs and symptoms are common for many types of head and neck cancer. Sometimes people do not have any signs or symptoms and sometimes the same symptoms can be caused by other things. You should see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms for more than three weeks:
Head and neck cancer can cause different symptoms depending on:
speak with you about the problem as well as other illnesses, medications, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol (medical history)
feel and look in your neck, mouth and throat for anything unusual (physical examination)
request that you have some tests (diagnostic tests)
refer you to a specialist for more tests. There are many tests that can be used to diagnose head and neck cancer. Not everyone will need to have every test.
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