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.
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.
Head and neck cancer commonly refers to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, mouth, throat or voice box. It also refers to other cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, thyroid gland, and salivary glands.
It is a significant problem in our country, constituting approximately one-third of all cancer cases. Men are affected about twice as often as women. Patients often present to the doctor in late stages.
Tobacco (both smoking and chewable forms) and alcohol are the main causes of these cancers. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at a greater risk than those who use only one or the other. A significant and increasing proportion of oropharyngeal (tonsillar and base of tongue) cancers can be attributed to human papilloma virus (HPV).
A non-healing ulcer in mouth or tongue, a change or hoarseness in the voice, difficulty in swallowing, or a lump in the neck could be indicators of trouble and one must seek immediate medical advice.
Most head and neck cancers can be prevented. A significant number can also be detected in early stages. When treated in the early stages, there are greater chances of cure with little post-treatment disfigurement or functional deficit.
Treatment of head and neck cancers involves a team of cancer specialists. A visit to a dentist or ENT specialist provides one with the opportunity to undergo screening for cancer of the mouth.
This article has been written by Dr.Jyoti Wadhwa, MD (AIIMS), DM (AIIMS), MAMS, Commonwealth Scholar, Director in Department of Medical Oncology, Medanta The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon.
Tags: alcohol, head and neck cancer, mouth ulcer, screening, tobacco
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.
