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.
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.
April is observed as Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few facts about the disease.
Head and neck cancer occurs in the oral cavity, the larger pharyngeal area (including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx), and the larynx.
Squamous histology is present in 95% of head and neck cancer cases.
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. In certain parts of Asia, such as India, head and neck cancer is the most common cancer type.
Men are thrice more likely to suffer from head and neck cancer than women.
The consumption of tobacco in any form (cigarettes, cigars, chutta, beedi, gutka, khaini) and alcohol contribute to head and neck cancer. HPV infection is another risk factor, and is particularly seen among young adults.
The symptoms include a non-healing ulcer in the mouth, swelling / growth in the mouth or neck, change in voice, swallowing or breathing difficulties, blocking of the nasal passage or bleeding from the nose. If you present with any of these symptoms, then you need to consult an ENT specialist immediately.
It is diagnosed through a biopsy of the ulcer/mass/enlarged lymph node. It is then staged through a clinical examination.
Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (Cetuximab), and immunotherapy (Nivolumab) are the treatment options. If the cancer detected in the early stages (stages I & II), then it is likely to get cured. The chances of a recurrence are also low.
In the advanced stages (stages III & IV), there are fewer chances of cure and higher chances of a recurrence.
You can prevent head and neck cancer by quitting tobacco use.
This article has been written by Dr.Venkatesh M, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Surya Global Hospital, Kakinada, 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.
