According to oncologist, a lump in the neck can be the first sign.
According to oncologist, a lump in the neck can be the first sign.
Head and neck cancers are curable if detected on time. Fortunately, these cancers produce symptoms early. Here are some of them.
• A lump in the neck that lasts for more than two weeks. Not all lumps are cancerous. But a lump in the neck can be the first sign of cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), or salivary glands.
• Such lumps are generally painless. Commonly, antibiotics are prescribed as an initial mode of treatment under the assumption that the lumps have been caused due to an infection. If the lump persists or continues to grow despite the use of antibiotics, further investigation is essential.
• Most cancers in the voice box cause a change in voice. If you find your voice becoming hoarse or if the change lasts for more than two weeks, you must visit an ENT.
• Cancers of the mouth or tongue cause a sore or swelling that doesn’t go away or may or may not be painless.
• Bleeding may occur, but often not until late. If an ulcer or swelling is accompanied by lumps in the neck, you should seek medical advice.
• Tumors in the nose, mouth, or throat can lead to blood in your saliva or phlegm. If this continues for more than a few days, you should consult a doctor.
• Cancer of the throat may make swallowing solid foods (and sometimes liquids) difficult. You may also end up throwing up the food.
• Most squamous cell cancers occur in the lower lip and ear. They might present as a sore which does not heal.
• Constant pain in or around the ear when you swallow can be a sign of infection or tumor growth in the throat.
All of these symptoms can occur even in patients who do not have cancer. But you cannot be sure about this until you see a doctor.
When detected early, most cancers in the head and neck can be cured effectively. Studies have, however, shown that a lack of awareness among people often leads to a delay in seeking medical help. Cure rates for these cancers could be greatly improved if they are detected early.
Nearly 90% of head and neck cancers are caused due to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Therefore, you must quit their usage immediately. People who use tobacco should undergo screening. In adults who do not smoke or drink, cancer of the mouth and throat can occur as a result of HPV infection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight is linked to lip cancer.
Being aware about our health is the only way we can lead a better tomorrow.
This article has been written by Dr. Vinayak Munirathnam, MBBS,MD,DM,Consultant Medical Oncologist, HCG Hospitals, Bangalore.
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.
