Head and Neck Cancer: Why Early Detection Is So Important

(September 10, 2026) Hoarseness, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing are usually harmless. However, if these symptoms persist for an unusually long time, it’s important to take a closer look. That’s because early diagnosis makes a big difference when it comes to head and neck tumors. An expert from the University Hospital explains what the warning signs are.

Head and neck cancers are among the most common types of cancer worldwide—in particular, HPV-associated tumors of the oropharynx are increasing significantly in many European countries. That is why the European Society for Head and Neck Tumors is launching its “Make Sense” campaign from September 21 to 26, 2026, to raise awareness about head and neck tumors, their risk factors, and possible warning signs. 

As part of this campaign, the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg is also hosting an awareness day featuring free screenings and information about individual cancer risk in the head and neck region: on Tuesday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ENT outpatient clinic. Admission is free, but registration is required via email at hno.tumor@uniklinik-freiburg.de.

Early detection is a key focus of the event: The sooner a tumor is detected, the better the treatment options often are. “Many patients come to us when the tumor is already advanced. Yet head and neck tumors can often be treated effectively and with minimal invasiveness in their early stages,” says Prof. Dr. Andreas Knopf, Medical Director of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg and Director of the Head and Neck Tumor Center.

What Increases the Risk

Head and neck tumors include various malignant tumors: They can develop, for example, in the oral cavity—such as on the tongue, floor of the mouth, or gums—in the pharynx or larynx, as well as in the nose, sinuses, or salivary glands. “The main risk factors are smoking, alcohol consumption, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV),” explains Knopf. “HPV infections are leading to an increase in new cases, especially among younger patients.”

Active prevention is possible here: The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the HPV vaccine for all girls and boys aged 9 to 14; any missed doses should be caught up on by their 18th birthday. Health insurance plans cover the costs. The vaccination is most effective when administered before a person becomes sexually active.

Take Early Signs Seriously

“A hoarse voice, pain when swallowing, or a small sore in the mouth often seem minor and not particularly alarming in everyday life. However, if the symptoms persist for more than three weeks, they should definitely be evaluated by a doctor,” says Knopf. That said, the presence of one of these symptoms does not automatically mean that cancer is the underlying cause. The key factor is how long the symptoms last. 

You should be particularly alert to:

• persistent hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• a sore throat
• mouth sores that won’t heal
• a stuffy nose on one side
• A palpable lump or swelling in the neck

Minimally invasive treatment with early diagnosis

The appropriate treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. At the Head and Neck Tumor Center of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, treatment is coordinated through an interdisciplinary approach. If a head and neck tumor is detected early, minimally invasive surgery is often possible. Depending on their location, small tumors can, for example, be removed endoscopically or using laser surgery through natural access routes such as the mouth or nose. This helps preserve as much healthy tissue as possible and better protects functions such as speech and swallowing. 

Since both the disease and the treatment can impair speech, swallowing, and nutrition, care may also include speech therapy, nutritional counseling, pain management, and psychosocial support as needed.

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