Usually, lumps/tumours in the head and neck area are benign (non-cancerous) and can arise for a number of reasons. Occasionally, a lump or a tumour may turn out to be malignant (cancerous). It is extremely important that an early diagnosis is sought for prompt treatment to be successful. Cancerous lumps tend to be painless and enlarge progressively.
During consultation with an ENT surgeon, thorough examination of the patient will be carried out which often involves the use of a flexible ‘telescope’ which allows examination of the nose/throat under a local anesthetic.
The following symptoms may (or may not) be present with malignant lumps or growths and it is worth noting that many of these symptoms are also associated with other, less serious problems – they are NOT only seen as symptoms of malignant lumps/tumours:
– Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia), pain in the throat that is persistent.
– Ulcers/swellings in the mouth.
– Hoarseness or persistent change in the voice which lasts for several weeks and is not accompanies with an infection such as laryngitis or flu.
– Bleeding in the mouth or throat.
– Persistent earache, especially when swallowing.
– White and/or red lesions in the mouth, lasting for several weeks.
Changes to an existing or a new, black or blue spot on the face.