Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the treatment options.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the treatment options.
Head and neck cancers are those that occur in the head and neck region (excluding the brain). They include cancers of the oral cavity, which are especially common in India due to the widespread use of tobacco, betel nut, and alcohol. The other sites of origin are the oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.
The symptoms of head and neck cancers include a non-healing sore on the lips or mouth, a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth, a lump on the lips or gums, bleeding/pain/numbness of the lips, hoarseness of voice, and chewing or swallowing difficulties. Swelling of the jaw, a persistent lump in the neck, and weight loss are the other signs.
The symptoms may vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment always yield better outcomes.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the treatment options for head and neck cancers. We often combine these to improve the chances of survival. Recent advances in these treatment modalities have renewed our optimism for successful outcomes.
Additionally, malnutrition and swallowing difficulties may be addressed by a nutritionist and speech therapist, respectively.
This article has been written by Dr. Mohan Menon, who is an American Board-certified medical oncologist. He practises at HN Reliance, Lilavati, and Breach Candy Hospitals and is also a visiting faculty at Hartford Health Care Cancer Institute, CT, US.
It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx.
The introduction of the newer modalities of systemic treatment has made impact in better survival outcomes.
Symptoms of head & neck cancer include blood in phlegm, lump in the neck, skin changes, change in voice, difficulty in swallowing and a sore that does not heal.
The use of radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy has been demonstrated to yield more positive results over just use of radiotherapy alone.
People consuming tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing this cancer
Multi-disciplinary approach with new surgical and radiation techniques, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy can help in reducing morbidity rates.
It can be prevented by making changes in lifestyle
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. There are approximately 650,000 cases and 200,000 deaths from this disease every year.
Keep an eye out for the symptoms and visit a physician as early as possible.
One of the major causes of the disease is tobacco use.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the treatment options.
Head and neck cancer collectively refers to cancers of the oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses.
Of the 10 lakh cases of cancer detected in the country every year, around 2 lakh are cancers of the head and neck, says oncologist.
The country has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world due to tobacco use, and the rates are still increasing.
Infection with HPV, overexposure to UV rays, and advancing age are the other risk factors.
According to oncologist, a lump in the neck can be the first sign.
Usage of tobacco and alcohol is associated with a high risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Alcohol and tobacco addiction are the most common causes.
Tobacco and alcohol are the main causes. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at a greater risk than those who use only one or the other.
According to expert, the above is a symptom of head and neck cancer.
Oncologist remembers the case of a 30-something man who was diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
Persistent mouth ulcers and a lump in the throat are the major symptoms.
The combined consumption of alcohol and tobacco reportedly increases the risk of head and mouth cancer by 15 times.
These cancers affect more men than women. For men alone, there were 92,000 new cases of throat and tongue cancer last year.
These cancers are caused due to tobacco use. Excessive consumption of alcohol, advancing age, and Human Papilloma Virus infection are the other contributory factors.
The other risk factors include consumption of alcohol and infection with Human Papilloma Virus.
Cancers developing in or around the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, or sinuses are broadly referred to as head and neck cancer.
