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.
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.
Of the 10 lakh cases of cancer detected in India every year, around 2 lakh are cancers of the head and neck.
Head and neck cancers are tumours in and around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, or mouth. They are mostly squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from flat squamous cells. In India, oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in women. Cancers of the lip and oral cavity are the second most common cancer in India.
Head and neck cancer is caused by tobacco use and overconsumption of alcohol. Other risk factors include infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and overexposure to sunrays.
The symptoms of head and neck cancer include red or white patches on the gums, breathing difficulties, pain while swallowing, or pain in the face. Tests such as biopsy and PET-CT scan are recommended to diagnose the disease.
The treatment options range from surgery to radiotherapy to chemotherapy to immunotherapy to targeted therapy. Treatment can also include a combination of these.
Patients with localized head and neck carcinomas are generally managed with either surgery or radiation therapy alone. However, a combined modality may be required in cases with high-risk features. In more advanced stages (III, IV A), the disease is typically managed with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Palliative systemic therapy is appropriate for most patients with locally recurrent and metastatic disease. Targeted therapy is different from traditional chemotherapy. It works by targeting the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or tissues that contribute to cancer growth.
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system in fighting cancer. It, however, may not suit every patient.
This article has been written by Dr.Praveena Voona, Consultant, Medical Oncologist, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam.
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.
