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 affect more men than women. For men alone, there were 92,000 new cases of throat and tongue cancer last year.
Sample this. The biggest killer of all types of cancers in men has been that of the lip and oral cavity, more commonly known as head and mouth cancer. Bad lifestyle habits, such as smoking and chewing of tobacco, are seen to be the major causes. According to a recent Globocan report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 16.1 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed in men in our country last year were those of the lip and oral cavity.
The report looked at cancer in a total population of 13.54 crore people—about 11.57 lakh new cases of cancer were reported in 2017. Not only this; nearly 8 lakh people lost their lives to this disease last year.
In the last 15 years, cancers of the head and neck have become even more fatal. Experts say that the actual number of cases in the country may well be much higher, as a large number of cases still go undiagnosed or unreported.
Head or neck cancers affect more men than women. For men alone, there were 92,000 new cases of throat and tongue cancer last year, whereas for women, cancer of the breast saw 1.6 lakh new cases, accounting for nearly 28 per cent of the new cases. Cervix cancer came next with about 97,000 cases, followed by ovarian cancer, which accounted for about 36,000 new cases, according to the Globocan study.
In the case of men, the next common cancer is that of the lung, which saw about 48,000 new cases and accounted for 8.5 per cent of all cancers last year, followed by stomach, colorectum, and oesophagus at 6.8 per cent (about 38,000 cases), 6.4 per cent (about 37,000 cases) and 5.9 per cent (34,000 cases), respectively.
Over the years, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has become a major health problem, both in developing and developed nations.
Two main causes are the consumption of tobacco and alcohol—at least 75 per cent of head and neck cancers are attributed to these. Another cause is the practice of keeping paan in the mouth.
Poor oral and dental hygiene and poor diet, both seen more in the low socioeconomic strata, are also small contributory factors.
What makes the cancer even more dangerous is that it is often diagnosed late. In a majority of cases, the disease is detected when the person is more than 50 years old.
The symptoms of head and neck cancer include a lump or soreness in the mouth which is not healing, difficulty in swallowing food and liquids, and a sudden change in voice.
These symptoms could be caused due to other reasons too, so make sure you immediately consult a doctor.
Tags: head and neck cancer, smoking, soreness, 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.
