Cancers developing in or around the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, or sinuses are broadly referred to as head and neck cancer.
Cancers developing in or around the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, or sinuses are broadly referred to as head and neck cancer.
Cancers developing in or around the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, or sinuses are broadly referred to as head and neck cancer.
It is the second most common cancer in India. According to a latest survey, more than 1.2 lakh people are diagnosed with this disease every year.
Use of tobacco in any form and alcoholic beverages is the most common cause. It can also occur as a result of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. So, it is important to practice a healthy lifestyle which can help prevent the occurrence of cancer.
Patients of head and neck cancer may present with a lump in the neck, swelling in the cheek, change in voice, soreness or ulcer of the mouth or tongue, bleeding from the nose or mouth, or difficulty in swallowing food. Pain in or around the ear can also be a sign of tumour growth.
Most cancers in the head and neck region can be completely cured if detected early. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
In addition, tests such as biopsy, endoscopy, X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET-CT, and molecular testing may be done.
The treatment planning depends on the site of tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s health.
The treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy to a radiation therapy. A combination of these can also be used.
New therapies for cancer include targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which can be used in the advanced stages. Moreover, these do not cause any of the side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Under targeted therapy, the cancer-specific protein is targeted while limiting the damage to healthy cells. Under immunotherapy, the immune system of our body is modulated to kill cancer cells.
This article has been written by Dr. Abhishek Anand, MBBS (Honours & Gold Medallist), MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bangalore, Ex SR AIIMS, New Delhi, Consultant Medical, Pediatric and Hemato Oncology, Narayana Cancer Center PARAS HMRI, Patna.
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.
