What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer is a generic term used to specific any cancerous growth in the mouth, throat, nose, salivary glands or other location in the neck and head area. These cancers are usually squamous cell carcinomas which begin in the mouths lining or nose or throat. Majority of the cases about 85% are linked to tobacco use and out of that maximum cases are due to a mix of tobacco and alcohol use.
What are the major types of head and neck cancer?
Based on the area of cancerous presence, the types of cancers are as below:
- Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: The voice box or larynx is a tube like organ located on the top of the windpipe used for swallowing, for breathing and talking. The gullet or hypopharynx is located at the bottom of the throat around the larynx.
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: The space behind the nose from where the air passes to the throat is the nasal cavity whereas the paranasal sinuses are small areas around the nasal cavity which are usually air filled.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: This cancer is in the airway in the top part of the throat.
- Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: The oral cavity comprises of the mouth and the tongue. The area from the tonsils to the topmost part of the larynx is called the oropharynx.
- Salivary Gland Cancer: This gland is responsible for producing saliva. Its functionality is to keep the mouth moist and helps in the breakdown of food by releasing the required enzymes.
What are the risk factors for head and neck cancer?
- Paan (Betel Leaf).
- Poor Oral hygiene.
- Exposure to industrial dust like asbestos, etc.
- Radiation Exposure.
- Tobacco.
- Family History of Head and neck cancers.
What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Depending on the location of the cancer, few symptoms can be as follows:
Oral Cavity
- Patches on gums and tongue.
- Jaw swelling.
- Unusual pain and bleeding.
Pharynx
- Pain while breathing or speaking.
- Neck pain.
- Headaches.
- Trouble hearing.
Larynx
- Ear pain or swelling.
Nasal cavity or parasinuses
- Blocked sinus which antibiotics cannot treat.
- Nose Bleeds.
- Eye pain.
How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnostic tests of Head and neck cancer include:
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
- Endoscopy.
- Biopsy
- Molecular Tests
- X-Ray
- Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan.
- Bone Cancer
- PET Scan
What is the treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancers can be treated by a combination of the below based on the location and intensity of the cancer:
- Radiation.
- Chemotherapy.
- Surgery.
- Targeted Therapy.