Getting the killer disease in the head and neck is becoming one of the fastest growing types of the disease worldwide – with thousands of Brits being diagnosed with it every year

Tumours around the mouth, nose and throat are on the rise, with one expert sounding the alarm over its earliest warning signs. People are being urged to safeguard their health by familiarising themselves with the early signs and symptoms of head and neck tumours as this type of cancer is rapidly becoming “one of the world’s fastest-growing”.

Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director at the renowned Proton Therapy Center, highlighted that this increase is particularly prevalent among young people. Tumours and cancer can develop in 30 different areas around the head and neck, including the tongue, voice box, throat and sinuses.

With an estimated 12,000 people in the UK now being diagnosed with head and neck cancers each year, Cancer Research charities have noted these rates surged by a third since the 1990s. Dr Kubes suggested that the rise in tumours could be partially attributed to the HPV infection, which rarely exhibits symptoms.

Head and neck cancers have seen a staggering rise over recent years particularly among young people ( 
Image:
GETTY)

The expert labelled this surge of virus-induced head and neck cancers a “worrying trend” but noted that people have a better chance for treatment and survival if they receive an early diagnosis, which largely hinges on people identifying the early symptoms. Dr Kubes issued a stark warning, saying: “Some of the early head and neck cancer symptoms can easily be mistaken for other common ailments, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your body and address any concerns.”

He emphasized that a sore throat persisting for more than two weeks should not be ignored. Other critical signs include having sore gums or painful teeth, as well as the appearance of ulcers or white or red patches in the mouth, which could be “tell-tale signs” of cancer.

The expert urged people to see their doctor if they feel something isn’t right ( 
Image:
GETTY)
Additionally, swelling in parts of the neck or feeling “resistance when touching a part of the neck” are significant indicators, along with persistent ear blockage or earache. Dr Kubes stressed: “While having any of these symptoms does not necessarily need to be a cause for alarm, it’s vital that if you suspect something is not right that you see your doctor.” He pointed out that catching the disease early can lead to a survival rate of up to 90%, whereas a late diagnosis might plummet survival rates to around 40%.