Other Cancer Sites
• Cancer may also occur in the salivary glands and the lymph nodes in the neck, first recognizable as a mass in the neck.
• Facial skin cancers can spread by way of the lymph nodes before the tumor is even visible on the skin.
• In rare cases, sinus cancer can become evident after it has spread to the neck.
• Forms of melanoma have been known to arise within the nose and sinuses, as well as on the scalp, where they are hard to find.
• Bone cancers of the head and neck are rare, but may first be recognized as a mass or a protruding eyeball.
• Your doctor should screen any new lumps or bumps, of whatever size, painful or painless.

Head and neck cancer remains an “orphan” cancer site. Not much independent research is being done in this area, compared to other cancers. One reason for the relative lack of research is the prevailing notion – largely true – that head and neck cancers would diminish as a significant human affliction if people would just stop smoking. Short of prevention, the next most important factor is early detection.