A doctor has shared the major ‘red flags’ to watch out for as they could be a sign of cancer
A doctor has listed the potential ‘red flag’ symptoms that could be signs of cancer, including blocked ears. The doctor says there a multiple things to look out for, but many of them often go ignored.
Head and neck cancers affect the mouth, throat and nose, with cases becoming more common. Almost 13,000 people in this country are diagnosed with head and neck cancers every year, according to Cancer Research UK, with incidence rates increasing by a third since the 1990s.
Some put this down to the rising rates of human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection which can trigger the disease that often shows no symptoms. Leading oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes has shared some of the most common signs in a bid to raise awareness.
The doctor, who works at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said: “Earlier diagnosis is absolutely crucial. The sooner we can identify head and neck cancer, the better the outcome.
“It is considered one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the world but there is still a worrying lack of awareness around head and neck tumours.”
Red flag symptoms to watch out for
- Persistently blocked ears – Dr Kubes said: “This is a similar feeling to the one you might get after diving into a swimming pool. Stubborn earache also could be a sign there’s cancer around that area.”
- Swelling in the neck – Resistance when touching a part of the neck could also be an indicator.
- Sore gums and ulcers – The expert said: “Don’t just shrug off an ulcer – get it checked out by your GP as it could be a cancerous lesion. Pain in your teeth and white or red patches in the mouth are also tell-tale symptoms.”
- Sore throat – “If it lasts for more than two weeks, or if you experience any voice changes or hoarseness, this should ring alarm bells,” said Dr Kubes.