Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that start in the tissues of these body parts, but it doesn’t include cancers that begin in the thyroid, oesophagus, windpipe or brain, according to Macmillan. Every year, 12,200 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer among men.

An early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly influence both survival rates and the effects of the treatment as 4,100 people lose their lives to these cancers each year in the UK according to Cancer Research. However, many people may overlook the earliest warning signs as they can resemble common everyday issues. This can include loose teeth, a sore throat and ear pain.

Simpson Millar’s medical negligence experts have also noticed an increase in clients who were misdiagnosed, ignored or sent away with antibiotics, only to later receive a life-changing diagnosis.

Kate McCue, Senior Associate Solicitor at Simpson Millar, said: “When it comes to head and neck cancer, timing really does make all the difference.Catching it early can lead to much better outcomes, not just in terms of survival, but also in how intensive the treatment needs to be, how long recovery takes, and what quality of life looks like after treatment.”

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sore throat
• Mouth ulcers that don’t heal
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• A lump in the neck or mouth
• Changes in voice or speech
• Swelling or thickening in the cheek
• Loose teeth with no obvious cause
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ear pain or hearing problems
• A blocked nose on one side only
• Numbness in the tongue or lips
• White or red patches in the mouth

Should you notice these warning signs persisting for more than two to three weeks or getting worse, it’s crucial to contact your GP or dentist. The medical negligence specialists also encouraged patients to demand additional investigations if they suspect something is amiss or feel their concerns aren’t being properly addressed.

Kate added: “Too often, late diagnosis isn’t just down to bad luck but a reflection of structural barriers that can and should be addressed.If we want to reduce avoidable deaths from head and neck cancer, we need to fix the system. That means better access to GP and dental services, more targeted public health outreach, and making early diagnosis the norm.”

Investigations for head and neck cancer may involve blood work, x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and PET-CT scans or tissue samples. Should your GP or dentist suspect your symptoms could indicate cancer, you’ll typically receive a specialist referral within two weeks.

If your sole symptom is a lump in your neck, you might be referred to a neck lump clinic. These clinics are equipped to perform ultrasound neck scans, biopsy of the lump and nasendoscopy which examines the back of your mouth, nose and throat.

According to Macmillan, individuals who smoke or drink excessively may have an increased risk of head and neck cancer, particularly if they engage in both habits. The cancer is also more prevalent in men than women.