H&N cancer signs and presentation

Question 1

What are common presenting symptoms?

Answer 1

• Lumps
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ulcers
• Hoarseness
• Discharge
• Colour change
• Foul odour
• Sores
• Pain
• Weight loss
• Ear pain
• Fatigue

Question 2

What are typical symptoms in the larynx?

Answer 2

• dysphagia
• hoarseness ( 3+ weeks = red flag symptom)
• Lump or Swelling
• Breathlessness
• Persistent cough

Question 3

What are typical symptoms in the paranasal sinuses?

Answer 3

• persistent blocked nose on one side

- mucus running down the throat

Question 4

What are the red flag symptoms?

Answer 4

• ulceration of oral mucosea for 3+ weeks
• hoarseness for 3+ weeks
• Red and white patches of oral mucosa
• Dysphagia persisting for more than 3 weeks
• Unilateral nasal obstruction
• Unexplained tooth mobility