Aim: The aim of this paper was to summarise the most common symptoms of head and neck malignancies, including their pathophysiology, based on current knowledge. Materials and methods: We analysed public databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for the latest papers, mostly published between 2003 and 2023. These included reviews, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, and meta-analyses. Lack of access to full article and languages other than English or Polish were exclusion criteria. We did not use artificial intelligence. Results: The main symptoms of head and neck malignancies included difficult-to-heal wounds or ulcerations, lip pain, oral and pharyngeal pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, hoarseness, head or neck mass, otological problems, weight loss, asymmetrical obstruction of the nasal cavity, unilateral nasal bleeding, and paralysis or paresis of the facial nerve. While these symptoms are often attributed to non-malignant diseases, healthcare professionals should prioritise oncological considerations and interpret patient cases from a holistic perspective. Conclusions: Head and neck malignancies are often diagnosed already at advanced clinical stages. Patients presenting with the above-mentioned symptoms typically seek general practice or outpatient otorhinolaryngological consultation. It is crucial to acknowledge that these symptoms could be early signs of malignant diseases.