Neck cancer may be caused by several types of cancer. Neck cancer is linked to head cancer and is known as head and neck cancer. The symptoms of this type of cancer vary depending on the location of its appearance. Learn about the symptoms of a malignant tumor in the neck and the necessary examinations with the appearance of these symptoms. .

Symptoms of a malignant tumor in the neck

There are several symptoms and signs that can be felt that may indicate a tumor in the neck, which may be a malignant tumor, including:

1. A lump in the back of the neck, mouth, or jaw

A neck lump can be a sign of thyroid cancer, or it may be due to enlarged lymph nodes, and if more than one node swells, this may indicate lymphoma, but you should know that not all swellings that may appear in the neck are evidence of cancer. Because the glands may enlarge for any reason, but the enlargement of the cancerous glands begins as a small swelling and develops over time.

Swelling of the glands in the jaw or mouth can be a sign of head and neck cancer, but the lymph nodes in the lips can also be swollen as a sign of infection.

2. Neck pain

Neck pain can also be a sign of thyroid cancer, and in the case of this type, patients may feel a swelling or swelling in the thyroid gland, and this swelling is usually in the front of the neck.

3. Difficulty swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is one of the most important symptoms of neck and head cancer, as the patient feels a state of pain and burning during the stomach and swallowing, and it may also be accompanied by coughing.

4. Speech problems

A change in the pitch of the voice can be a symptom of a malignant tumor in the neck, making the tone of the voice come out different, so that it is hoarse or quiet, and the voice is like a person suffering from a cold, but the person with this type may find it difficult to pronounce some words and produce some sounds.

5. Ear pain or hearing loss

Ear pain and ringing are associated with a type of cancer known as throat cancer, which is a common type of neck cancer.

6. Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing may be a symptom of a malignant tumor in the neck, in addition to congestion and nosebleeds.

7. The appearance of white or red spots on the throat

A skin change in the throat area may be a sign of cancer or a sign of another problem in the body. If this type is not treated, it turns into a type of cancer, but be careful not to confuse it with thrush, which causes the same symptoms.

8. Weight loss

Weight loss is a hallmark of many different cancers, but this type affects the process of swallowing and eating, and thus weight is lost as a result of this.

9. Facial pain

Oral cancer is a form of malignant tumor in the neck and head, and this type leads to the appearance of ulcers in the skin that cannot be treated.

10. Oral ulcers

Mouth ulcers are a sign of oral cancer, which forms part of head and neck cancer, so if any ulcer appears that cannot be treated, you should be aware that it may be a sign of cancer.

Other signs of head and neck cancer

• Lip hypertrophy.
• Sore throat.
• Mouth bleeding and a feeling of numbness in it.
• Loose teeth for no reason.
• Inability to move the jaw.
• Feeling of numbness in the tongue area.
• Change in skin color or moles.

Diagnosis of a malignant tumor in the neck

In order to differentiate between the symptoms of a malignant tumor in the neck and symptoms that appear for a reason other than cancer, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history and family history. He will also look inside your mouth and throat, using special tools. The doctor may request other tests, including:

• Endoscopic examination.
• Obtaining a biopsy from the tumor using a specialized needle, or a surgical procedure, and then analyzing the sample to find out what type it is.
• X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and other imaging tests to determine the location, size, and extent of the tumor.

After the doctor determines the type, extent and stage of the tumor, he sets the appropriate treatment plan.