One of the major causes of the disease is tobacco use.
One of the major causes of the disease is tobacco use.
Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that start in and around your throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, or mouth.
Worldwide, head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer. India accounts for 57% of the total number of cases; nearly 80,000 new cases of oral cancer are registered in the country every year.
And, the number of head and neck cancer cases is estimated to double by 2030.
One of the major causes of the disease is tobacco use. Tobacco has widespread social acceptance in the Indian community. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, the consumption rate of tobacco among adults in India is around 35%, with more men than women using it.
Out of the total number of tobacco users, 60% consume smokeless tobacco, 25% use smoked tobacco, and 15% consume both. Therefore, we need to spread awareness about the importance of quitting tobacco use.
Another major risk factor is alcohol consumption. Further, consuming alcohol in combination with tobacco in any form greatly enhances the risk of developing oral cancer.
Infection with Human Papilloma Virus, poor oral hygiene or nutrition, exposure to UV radiation, and genetic susceptibility are the other risk factors.
The symptoms include red or white patches in the mouth, swelling in the jaw, headache, blocked sinuses, pain in the mouth, breathing troubles, or pain during swallowing.
The diagnosis can be done through endoscopy, biopsy, scans or X-rays.
The treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. It also depends on the age of patient. The treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Head and neck cancer can be cured if it is detected early. Unfortunately, most of cases are identified in the advanced stages, where the chances of cure are very few.
Lack of awareness about cancer is one of the reasons for delayed treatment. The stigma and myths associated with cancer are the other contributory factors.
Rehabilitation is an important part of follow-up care after treatment. Support groups may help patients to cope with physical and emotional changes post treatment. Patients may receive physiotherapy as well as speech and swallowing therapy. Maintaining a healthy diet is also recommended.
To conclude, I urge everyone to join hands with oncologists to spread awareness about this disease.
This article has been written by Dr.Ranga Raman G, HCG Curie City Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
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.
