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5 Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms You Should Know

April 25, 2025

Head and neck cancer isn’t something most of us want to think about. But awareness means earlier detection and better outcomes.

To help explain the signs, we spoke with Clinton Kuwada, MD, the co-director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program with Hartford HealthCare.

Here’s what to look for – and why it’s always worth checking in with your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Types of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer includes several types, depending on where the cancer starts.

These include:

• Mouth (oral cavity)
• Throat (pharynx)
• Voice box (larynx)
• Nasal cavity and sinuses
• Salivary glands

“While these are all different cancers, many symptoms can overlap,” says Dr. Kuwada. “If something feels off and lasts over a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor.”

> Related: Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Cancer? 

5 signs of head and neck cancer you should know

1. A sore throat that won’t go away.

Most sore throats clear up – but if yours lasts more than two weeks, get it checked.

“This isn’t your typical sore throat from a cold or infection,” says Dr. Kuwada. “This discomfort doesn’t go away with the usual remedies and may get even worse over time.”

2. A raspy voice that sticks around.

Everyone gets hoarse occasionally, but if your voice is off for more than two weeks, don’t brush it off.

“Persistent hoarseness or voice changes can be a red flag, especially if there’s no obvious cause like a cold or overuse,” says Dr. Kuwada. “It could mean something’s affecting your vocal cords or larynx.”

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3. Trouble swallowing.

If eating or drinking suddenly feels like a struggle – or food seems to “stick” in your throat – it could be more than just a passing issue.

“When swallowing becomes difficult or uncomfortable and it doesn’t go away, we take that seriously,” says Dr. Kuwada. “It can be a sign of something affecting the throat or esophagus.”

4. A lump or swelling in the neck or throat.

Finding a new lump or swelling in the neck or throat can feel scary.

“While not all lumps are cancerous, it’s crucial to have them looked at, especially if they are painless and persist over time,” says Dr. Kuwada.

> Related: Is the Lump in My Throat Cancer? 

5. Weight loss without trying.

Dropping pounds without changing your diet or exercise routine might sound like a win – but it can actually be a red flag.

“Unexplained weight loss is one of those symptoms we never ignore,” says Dr. Kuwada. “When your body is working harder to fight something, like cancer, weight can drop without warning.”

Not every symptom means cancer.

A sore throat or a lump doesn’t always point to something serious.

“These symptoms are often linked to infections or other common conditions,” says Dr. Kuwada. “But they are always still worth checking out.”

There are also simple steps you can take today to lower your risk:

• Keep up with regular dental and medical checkups.
• Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol.
• Know your HPV status and get vaccinated.

“Early detection saves lives, and even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference,” says Dr. Kuwada. “We’re here to help you catch things early, take action and feel supported every step of the way.”