Head and neck cancer: throat, mouth, and thyroid

What it is

Most of these cancers start in the cells that line the moist surfaces of the mouth and throat. Since these are areas we use every day to speak, eat, and breathe, tumors in this region can cause discomfort that is sometimes confused with dental problems, throat infections, or common irritations.

The good news is that many of these lesions can be seen or felt during a medical or dental checkup, which gives the opportunity to catch them early. If a sore, lump, or discomfort does not go away within two or three weeks, the right step is to come in for an evaluation.

Risk factors

• Tobacco use in all its forms: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. It is the factor most strongly linked to these tumors.
• Frequent alcohol use. The combination of alcohol and tobacco multiplies the risk far more than either one on its own.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially type 16, linked to a significant share of oropharyngeal cancers (tonsils, base of the tongue). It is a very common virus; having it does not mean cancer will develop.
• Prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer).
• Poor oral health and poorly fitted dentures that cause chronic irritation.
• Age over 40 and male sex (more common in men).
• Some workplace exposures (wood dust, certain industrial chemicals).

A note on tone for this page: if you smoke or used to smoke, this information is not meant to point a finger at you, but to help you take care of yourself. Telling your doctor about your history openly helps them choose your tests and treatment better.

Warning signs / common symptoms

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal in more than two or three weeks.
• A lump in the neck, the jaw, or inside the mouth.
• A red or white patch on the gums, the tongue, or the inside of the mouth.
• A persistent sore throat or the feeling of something stuck.
• Hoarseness or a change in your voice lasting more than two or three weeks.
• Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing.
• Bleeding from the mouth or nose without a clear cause, or nasal congestion on one side that does not clear.
• Persistent ear pain, especially on one side only.

These problems can come from infections, dental issues, or other causes that are not cancer. Only a doctor can evaluate them. If anything on this list has lasted more than two or three weeks, come in for an evaluation.

How it is detected and diagnosed

During the consultation, the oncologist carefully examines the mouth, throat, and neck looking for lesions or enlarged lymph nodes; many lesions in this region are found through a well-done exam. When something looks suspicious, imaging tests are ordered (such as a CT scan or a neck ultrasound) to determine the size and extent of the lesion.

Confirmation always comes with a biopsy: a small sample of the tissue or the lymph node is taken for analysis. In oropharyngeal tumors, the sample can also be analyzed to find out whether the tumor is related to HPV, information that guides treatment. The Unidad de Oncología Menonita performs the evaluation appointment, the biopsies, and the tests needed to reach a diagnosis.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the tumor's exact location, its size, its extent, and the person's condition. It is planned to strike the best balance between controlling the disease and preserving functions as important as speaking, swallowing, and eating. The unit offers:

• Cancer surgery: removing the tumor and, when necessary, the affected lymph nodes in the neck.
• Chemotherapy: alone or combined with other treatments, depending on the case.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: options for selected cases, especially in advanced or recurrent disease.
• Palliative care: support for pain control, nutrition, and quality of life at any stage.

Being honest about radiation therapy: in head and neck cancer, radiation therapy is a frequent pillar of treatment, often combined with chemotherapy. The unit does not have radiation therapy; when a case requires it, the patient is referred to Chihuahua City, and the unit's team coordinates the referral, administers the treatments that do belong to the unit, and keeps following the case as a whole.

Early detection / prevention

• Avoid tobacco in all its forms and moderate or avoid alcohol.
• HPV vaccination: in Mexico, the national program gives it during childhood and adolescence (around ages 9 to 14); it prevents infections associated with several cancers, including part of oropharyngeal cancer.
• Regular dental checkups: the dentist can spot early lesions in the mouth; a check of the oral cavity at least once a year is a good habit.
• Use lip balm with sunscreen if you work outdoors.
• There is no mass screening test for these tumors, which is why self-awareness (sores, lumps, voice changes) and timely evaluation are the best tool.

Frequently asked questions

Is a mouth sore that will not heal cancer? Not necessarily: most sores come from other causes. But if it does not heal in two or three weeks, a doctor should check it. Come in for an evaluation.

Does HPV in the mouth mean I will get cancer? No. HPV is very common, and most infections clear on their own. Only a small share persists and may, over the years, be linked to a tumor. Vaccination and medical evaluation are the best measures.

Will I lose my voice if a tumor of the larynx is treated? Not in every case. The treatment plan is designed to preserve the voice and swallowing whenever possible; each case is explained clearly in consultation.

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