A painless lump in the neck that’s persistently growing is a common sign of cancer. Squamous cells, i.e., the term used to describe these tumors, coat the mucosal surfaces of the neck where neck malignancies typically start. Although squamous cell carcinomas are significantly more prevalent, neck malignancies can also start in the muscles or nerves of the head and neck. Here are the factors of this condition to look out for:

Common Sites
Neck cancers mostly occur in the pharynx and larynx. The pharynx, or the throat, is a hollow tube that begins below the nose and extends approximately five inches into the esophagus. The nasopharynx, which is the top portion of the pharynx, is located behind the nose. The oropharynx, which is the middle section of the pharynx and contains the tonsils, soft palate (the rear of the mouth), and the base of the tongue, is located behind the oropharynx (the lower part of the pharynx). The voice box, also known as the larynx, is a small opening in the neck produced by cartilage directly below the throat. Additionally, it possesses an epiglottis, a little flap of tissue that moves across the voice box to keep food from getting into the airways.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of neck cancer include long-lasting swelling in the neck region, which is seen in the early stages. In most cases, this swelling is painless and non-pitting in nature and often looks like a bump or a mass aggregated in one place. Most patients feel roughness or a sore throat, and their voice often turns hoarse and deep. Many patients also complain of pain in the ear. In severe cases, patients also hear a ringing sound because the swelling compresses the ear’s eustachian tube.

Dysphagia is a common symptom of neck cancer, meaning that the patient has difficulty swallowing food. Difficulty breathing is commonly seen as well, as the swelling of the neck compresses the windpipe and obstructs the airway.

Warning Signs
These two warning signs of neck cancer need immediate medical attention:

Suppose you have a frequent ringing sensation in your ear. In that case, you need to seek immediate medical attention, and the cancer is either compressing the ear canal or has metastasized to that area. If you don’t pay attention, it may result in permanent loss of hearing.

In case you have persistent shortness of breath or feel very heavy in the chest, along with chronic swelling in the neck, you need to visit an oncologist at the earliest. When neck cancer pressurizes the trachea, it grows progressively. It can result in complete obstruction of the airway as well.

The signs of neck cancer reflect the stage one is in.

Stages

There are five stages of neck cancer; the early stages have a better prognosis and have good chances of recovery without the need for any aggressive treatment.

Stage 0
Stage 0 is known as carcinoma in situ. This is the stage where the cancer is just about to develop. However, it is very difficult to diagnose this stage as the cells are just losing normal activity and turning potentially malignant.

Stage 1
In stage 1 of neck cancer, the swelling is smaller than two centimeters and is limited to a certain location.

Stage 2
Stage 2 of neck cancer is when the size of the mass of cancer is between two to four centimeters.

Stage 3
In stage 3, cancer has generally progressed to a lymph node or is bigger than four centimeters.

Stage 4
Stage 4 is an advanced stage of neck cancer, where cancer has started spreading aggressively. In this stage, the tumor has already advanced to the lymph nodes and surrounding body structures.

Treatments
Depending on the stage of neck cancer you have, the treatment modality differs. For the early stages of neck cancer, treatment can be easily administered with the help of medication, radiation, or surgery. However, in advanced cases of cancer, chemotherapy is often a necessity. It can be used in combination with other treatment options, including drugs, radiation, and surgery. Surgery often involves the removal of the tumor, along with the lymph node and a little area of surrounding tissues. Therefore, this option is only possible if the cancer has not metastasized.

The abovementioned signs, stages, signs, and treatments of neck cancer must be carefully considered when dealing with such a condition. If you have any of the warning signs of neck cancer, such as painless swelling, an overgrowth on the neck, ringing sensation in the ear, or difficulty in breathing, you must consult a doctor at the earliest. Diagnosis of neck cancer at early stages is extremely necessary for a better prognosis as well as a healthy lifestyle post-treatment. So, make sure a treatment plan is drawn promptly to keep the progression of neck cancer at bay.