The introduction of the newer modalities of systemic treatment has made impact in better survival outcomes.
The introduction of the newer modalities of systemic treatment has made impact in better survival outcomes.
Head and Neck cancer is the leading contributor to the Indian healthcare burden.
Owing to increased use of tobacco, India contributes to annually 2, 00, 000 cases of head and neck cancer of which 80, 000 are cases of oral cancer. The number is expected to double by 2030.
Even though the maximum number of cases of mouth cancer is found in the male population after the age of 55 years, there is an alarming trend skewing towards the younger population.
The major cause behind the occurrence of head and neck cancer is tobacco (both smoking and chewing with or without beetle quid i.e. paan). Alcohol is another contributing factor to head and neck cancer. People who use both are at major risk. 75% of head and neck cancer cases occur because of these two major factors. Other factors include consumption of preserved or salted food, poor oral hygiene, chemical exposure like nickel, formaldehyde, asbestoses, radiation and HPV etc.
One should look out for a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing and a change or hoarseness in the voice, a white or red patch on the gums, tongue and lining of the mouth, loose fitting of dentures, weight loss and persistent pain in the ear as these are all symptoms of head and neck cancer. All individuals should carry out a yearly physical examination of the head, neck and oropharynx conducted by their primary physician, as well as routine dental evaluation to include neck examination and inspection of the mouth and oropharynx.
Treatment of the head and neck cancer depends on the exact location of the tumour, the stage of the cancer and the person’s age and general health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
In the early stage of cancer when the tumour is resectable, the mainstay of the treatment is the surgery and now with advancement in technology, robotic surgery is possible with fewer side effects. With improvement in surgical techniques and skills organ preservation, preservation of functions are possible in more and more cases these days. There is tremendous advancement in radiation therapy and adequate doses of radiation can be delivered precisely to the tumour with minimal side effects and with best results. There is significant improvement in the field of systemic treatment in cancer including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Tobacco is dangerous in all forms. In India, smokeless tobacco is the most common form of tobacco consumed. However, most of the attention is still towards prevention of smoking. And smokeless tobacco prevention has not gained much momentum. Aggressive marketing, easy availability, lack of effective intervention, lack of public awareness about its harmful effects – all these factors have contributed to this public health challenge which warrants far greater attention and action than it has so far received.
The article is written by Dr. Kunjahari Medhi, Director, Medical Oncology, Batra Hospital, New Delhi
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.
