Simple signs signifying cancer

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

Head and neck cancers are the second most common cancer in Malaysia, affecting vital functions like speaking and swallowing, but their symptoms are often mistaken for benign conditions, leading to late diagnoses. Early detection through specialist evaluation is crucial, as it improves survival rates and reduces treatment severity, underscored by patient experiences shared at a recent awareness event at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM.

Head and neck cancers, which affect critical areas involved in speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing, remain less recognized compared to more commonly discussed cancers such as breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. According to Prof Dr Mohd Razif Mohamad Yunus, a consultant otorhinolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) UKM, these cancers include malignancies of the thyroid, lips, larynx, salivary glands, and oral cavity. When combined, head and neck cancers rank as the second most common cancer in Malaysia after breast cancer, surpassing colorectal cancer, based on the National Cancer Registry Report 2007.

The initial symptoms of head and neck cancers can vary widely depending on the location of the tumor and are often mistaken for benign conditions. Three survivors shared their experiences, highlighting common challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Khadija Ainaa Rauof Al-Samarraie, 43, initially attributed her persistent fever and sore throat to a routine infection. Following a series of treatments with no improvement, a specialist endoscopic examination revealed a tumor in her nasopharynx. A biopsy confirmed stage 1 nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), a difficult-to-detect cancer that grows inside the nasopharynx and is often mistaken for infections. Khadija had none of the typical risk factors, such as smoking or family history, underlining that anyone can be susceptible. Her treatment involved a combination of chemotherapy and 33 sessions of radiotherapy over seven weeks, which resulted in significant side effects including mouth ulcers and weight loss. Despite these challenges and subsequent complications from a spinal disc issue, she is now in remission and has resumed part-time law teaching.

For Ang Boon Kok, 51, a former paper processing plant supervisor, persistent hoarseness was the initial sign of trouble. Although early examinations found no abnormalities, subsequent endoscopic assessment at HCTM UKM identified stage 3 laryngeal cancer. After radiotherapy failed to eradicate the cancer, Ang underwent a total laryngectomy, a procedure that removes the voice box. This surgery results in permanent changes to speech and breathing, but through the support of the Malaysia Laryngectomee Association and the use of a surgically implanted voice prosthesis, Ang relearned how to communicate. Despite some difficulties, especially with strangers understanding him, he maintains an active lifestyle and has influenced his family, including inspiring his son to pursue medicine.

Tan Chee Beng, 51, noticed a slowly enlarging bump on his cheek, initially dismissing it as acne. After two months, medical evaluation confirmed stage 4 maxillary sinus cancer, which required a complex subtotal maxillectomy to remove the tumor while preserving his eye. The surgery involved removing part of his upper jawbone and placing supportive mesh and plates to reconstruct the area. Although the operation altered his appearance and temporarily impaired his ability to eat, Tan has regained comfortable eating function and remains under close medical surveillance.

Dr Lum Sai Guan, who treats several of these patients, emphasized that symptoms of head and neck cancer are often subtle and can be misdiagnosed as common infections. He recommends patients seek evaluation from ear, nose, and throat specialists if symptoms persist beyond two weeks to facilitate timely endoscopic examinations and biopsies. Early detection improves survival outcomes and reduces the intensity of treatment required, while late diagnosis is associated with higher recurrence risks.

These insights were shared during a recent World Head and Neck Cancer Day event held at HCTM UKM in Kuala Lumpur, underlining the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment for head and neck cancers.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.