When it comes to our health, some conditions whisper before they roar. They begin with symptoms that seem harmless—an annoying sore throat, a runny nose, or the occasional headache. Too often, these signals are brushed aside as nothing more than allergies, a stubborn cold, or stress.

But for certain disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), those subtle symptoms may be the body’s way of raising a red flag. One of the most challenging illnesses in this category is nasopharyngeal cancer—a disease that develops deep behind the nose and at the top of the throat. It is rare in the U.S., but when it does appear, it is often difficult to diagnose early because the signs look so ordinary.

The key to protecting your health—or the health of a loved one—is paying attention to the small changes. Early medical screening and wellness exams can make an enormous difference in treatment outcomes. Here are seven warning signs that should never be ignored.