ENT (ear, nose, throat) cancers are also known as head and neck cancers. They are a group of cancers that affect the soft tissue organs in the head and neck region. ENT cancers can be treated successfully, and the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure. Early treatment is also likely to have fewer side effects. It is important to seek medical advice early if you find any warning signs as this can mean an earlier diagnosis if a cancer is present.

Head and neck cancers occur due to prolonged exposure to specific risk factors, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol abuse, or exposure to HPV. Cancer of the lip may be caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, and is also a major cause of skin cancer.

Symptoms of ENT cancers can include:

• A lump in the neck
• Change in the voice
• A growth in the mouth
• Bringing up blood
• Swallowing problems
• Changes in the skin

Diagnosis

When there is a lump in the neck, its cause can often be found by having an experienced doctor examine it. Some lumps can be left alone or treated with medication, while others may need a further investigation. In the case of a thyroid lump, an ultrasound scan and a fine needle biopsy can help decide the chance of cancer, and therefore the need for surgical removal.

Nasal endoscopy is usually part of the examination and necessary if nose cancer is suspected or needs to be ruled out. It involves passing a thin flexible camera into the nose to examine the nose and throat. The examination only takes a few minutes and is usually painless. The examination can only reach the level of the voice box, to view further into the esophagus (food passage), an esophagoscopy may be recommended.

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatments for head and neck cancers. The exact treatment option is decided by the doctor according to the type and extent of the cancer.