Neck cancer refers to cancers developing in the throat, larynx (voice box), thyroid, salivary glands, or lymph nodes, often grouped as head and neck cancers. Signs and appearance vary by the cancer’s specific location and type. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Visible Signs and Symptoms of Neck Cancer
One of the most common signs of neck cancer is a lump or swelling. This lump is often painless, particularly in the early stages, and feels firm to the touch. Unlike swelling from an infection, a cancerous lump does not go away and will slowly increase in size. The location can provide clues to its origin; a mass in the front of the neck might be related to the thyroid, while lumps on the side could involve lymph nodes.
Changes to the skin on the neck can also signal an underlying issue. This might manifest as a new or changing mole, a persistent red or scaly patch, or a sore that does not heal. These lesions might bleed easily or develop a crusted surface.
Generalized swelling in the neck or jaw area is another visible sign, which might cause tightness or difficulty moving the jaw. In some cases, there might be associated pain, numbness, or weakness in the face. Since many non-cancerous conditions can cause similar symptoms, any persistent and unexplained changes warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Common Types of Neck Cancer and Their Appearance
The most prevalent cancer in the head and neck region is squamous cell carcinoma, which originates in the cells lining the mouth, nose, and throat. Visually, it can present as a persistent sore, an ulcer, or as red or white patches on the gums or tongue. When it spreads, it often travels to the lymph nodes, causing a firm lump to appear on the side of the neck.
Thyroid cancer develops in the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. A primary sign is a nodule in this area that moves up and down when a person swallows. While most thyroid nodules are benign, a painless, solid, and fixed lump is more concerning and requires medical investigation.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, and a common sign is the swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. These swollen nodes often feel like rubbery, painless lumps under the skin. Unlike swelling from infection, lymphoma-related swelling is persistent and can involve multiple nodes.
Cancers can also arise in the major salivary glands, located near the jawline. A sign of salivary gland cancer is a lump or swelling near the jaw, which can be accompanied by facial numbness or muscle weakness if it impacts nearby nerves. Skin cancers like melanoma can also appear on the neck as unusual growths or sores that change over time.
Diagnostic Imaging for Neck Cancer
Once a suspicious symptom is identified, doctors use imaging techniques to gather more information. These scans provide detailed views of the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread to surrounding tissues. This process is important for determining the cancer’s stage and planning treatment.
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the neck. A CT scan is useful for showing the size and shape of a tumor and can reveal if it has grown into nearby bone. A contrast dye is sometimes injected to make cancerous tissues stand out more clearly.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed pictures of soft tissues. An MRI can be helpful in the neck to distinguish between different types of soft tissue and to see if a tumor has invaded nerves or the brain. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive sugar substance, which causes cancer cells to “light up” on the scan, helping to detect spread.
Confirming a Diagnosis with a Biopsy
While imaging provides strong evidence, a biopsy is the procedure required to confirm a cancer diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the suspicious area. A pathologist then examines it under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.
The method used to obtain the tissue sample depends on the location and size of the tumor. One common technique for a neck lump is a fine-needle aspiration (FNA). In this procedure, a doctor uses a very thin, hollow needle to withdraw cells directly from the lump.
If an FNA does not provide enough cells for a clear diagnosis, a core needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle, may be performed. In other cases, an incisional biopsy (removing a piece of the tumor) or an excisional biopsy (removing the entire lump) might be necessary. The results of the biopsy confirm the cancer’s specific type, which is needed for guiding treatment decisions.