It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx.
It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx.
Head and neck cancer is a devastating disease. It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx.
The main cause of the disease is consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Owing to increased use of tobacco, India contributes to nearly 60% of head and neck cancer patients worldwide. This number is expected to double by 2030. Understanding the carcinogenic components of tobacco products and how they lead to head and neck cancer can help in preventing head and neck cancer.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) has in recent times been also implicated as a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer.
Head and neck cancer is treated via a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Oral cancers i.e., cancers of the lip, tongue and cheek are primarily treated with surgery.
Cancers of the oropharynx and larynx are treated primarily with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Voice preservation is the main motive behind this approach. Aggressive physiotherapy helps in speech articulation, swallowing, and maintenance of oral hygiene. A new genre of immunotherapy drugs also provides hope for the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Prevention is better than cure. This proverb would have been written keeping in mind the strong causality between tobacco usage and head and neck cancer. Interventions by the government as well as non-governmental organisations will help in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases in the country.
This article has been written by Dr.Rajat Saha, Senior Consultant, Head & Neck DMG Medical Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Patparganj & Vaishali, Delhi-NCR.
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.
