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Mouth, throat, or voice box cancer (needs checking)

Also called: Head and neck cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, larynx cancer

Cancers of the mouth, throat, or voice box. Signs include a sore that won't heal, a neck lump, or lasting hoarseness.

Main causesTobacco, alcohol, HPV

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Mouth sore or neck lump that won't go away
  • Sore throat or ear pain on one side that won't go away, or a lump on the tongue

Less common

  • Hoarseness over 4 weeks
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Ear pain

When to get medical care

Call 911Heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayNew or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance or with age; some come from smoking, infections, or inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: sex or touch.
  • Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.
  • Some cases run in families. Ask whether genetic testing makes sense for you.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Tobacco
  • Alcohol
  • HPV

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Most people checked for these symptoms don't have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long you've had symptoms
  • Family history of cancer
  • Smoking and alcohol

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Scope and biopsy:

Treatment

Get the symptoms checked rather than waiting. If cancer is found, a cancer team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down your symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for a copy of test results
  • Quit smoking: it helps at every stage

Surgery, radiation, chemo.

Prevention

To lower your risk or find it early:

  • HPV vaccine
  • No tobacco

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often with a surgeon and a radiation doctor.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • You can go to school and work as usual.
  • Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some cancer treatments can harm a baby. Ask about saving eggs before treatment if you want children later.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cancers found early are much easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
  • Past test results

Questions to ask

  • What tests do I need?
  • If it's cancer, what stage is it and what are my options?
  • Are there clinical trials for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mouth, throat, or voice box cancer (needs checking)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.