1) Painless white patch or red patch in the mouth. Swelling or a sore that does not heal; this is the most common symptom.

2) Sore throat, Hoarseness or change in voice

3) Painless lump, bump or mass in the mouth or neck with or without pain.

4) Frequent nosebleed, particularly on one side of the nose and/ or persistent nasal congestion.

5) Hearing loss or ear pain, particularly in one ear.

6) Blood in saliva or phlegm.

7) Weight loss or fatigue.

8) Difficulty breathing and / or Double vision.

9) Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.

10) Jaw pain, loosening of teeth and / or if Dentures that no longer fit

Information about Head and Neck Cancer

• Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year. HNC accounts for approximately 3’% of all Cancers annually in the US.
• Being diagnosed with any cancer is dreadful. Though what some people might not know, HNC effects the way you drink, eat and speak.
• Some HNC survivors are voiceless, unable to eat at all and require stomach tubes for the rest of their lives and physical appearance is dramatically altered. Many patients experience being looked at or perceived as sick, there can be a shift in family dynamics.
• Less than 1/2 of HNC survivors are able to return to work. Which has led to higher rates of depression, financial bankruptcy and suicidal rates in this specific demographic. I encourage anyone feeling depressed and/ or in need of extra support to seek therapy. Don’t lose hope!

It’s one hell of a ride, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can regain a new normal and enjoy brighter days ahead![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

For more recovery information and lifestyle suggestions about Head and Neck Cancers read more of Alyssa’s blogs in our series, Our Stories, Our Lives