HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

See a doctor immediately if you have prolonged hoarseness, a palpable mass in the neck, non-healing facial or oral lesions, bleeding, swollen salivary glands, or a newly-started ringing in the ears for no apparent reason.

Head and neck cancers usually have latent symptoms. They are more common in smokers, alcohol users or individuals with poor oral hygiene. If the symptoms persist, see a doctor without delay. For example, hoarseness, non-healing oral lesions, blood in saliva, bad breath or painless bumps (nodes) in the neck persisting for more than 3 weeks may be preliminary signs of cancer. Be aware of these conditions and have a thorough ear-nose-throat checkup.