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Could Neck Pain Indicate Cancer?
Neck pain is something many people experience. Most of the time, it’s caused by things that can be fixed. But if your neck pain gets worse and lasts a long time, you might start worrying if it could be a sign of cancer.
Cancers in the head and neck are not super common, but they do happen. They make up about 4% of all cancer cases in the US. They’re more common in men and often affect people over 50 years old.
Even though most neck pain isn’t caused by cancer, it’s still important to know the signs of neck cancer. That way, you can see a doctor if you have any of those signs and get checked out properly.
Could Neck Pain Be a Symptom of Cancer?
Sometimes, if your neck hurts a lot and it won’t go away, it could be a sign that something serious might be going on, like cancer in your head or neck. But don’t freak out just yet, because it could also be something less scary. Look out for things like a lump, swelling, or a sore in your neck that just won’t heal. According to experts, this is the most common warning sign of cancer.
Other signs to watch out for include:
- Weird white or red patches inside your mouth, on your gums, or tongue
- Strange pain or bleeding in your mouth
