Different types of head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer is the third most common malignancy globally and is prevalent mostly in Indian males. Research states that cases of head and neck cancer in India by the year 2020 will be around 218,421. People are not aware of this cancer and it mostly gets detected in the advanced stage. 

Some of the most common head and neck cancer types are:-

a)Laryngeal cancer: Primarily found in the larynx, it’s located at the top of the windpipe and has the epiglottis, a small piece of tissue that moves to cover the larynx and prevents food from entering the windpipe. It’s mostly prevalent in smokers and drinkers, and the main symptoms are a persistent sore throat or ear pain.

b) Nasopharyngeal cancer: It starts in the upper part of the throat behind the nose and near the skull base. It's uncommon and detected at a later stage. It’s found above the roof of the mouth and the back of the nasal passage. The symptoms include trouble breathing, speaking, or hearing.

c) Nasal cavity paranasal sinus cancer:  It’s a malignant tumor that’s uncommon and forms behind the nose, where air passes on its way to the throat and develops air-filled areas surrounding the nasal cavity. It develops in the sinus, and exposure to chemicals or dust at work increases the risk of developing this form of cancer. The symptoms sinus problems and nosebleeds. 

d) Salivary gland cancer: It’s uncommon and forms in the mouth including lips, the inside lining of the lips, cheeks, teeth, and gums, front of the tongue, floor and roof of the mouth. Exposure to radiations in the head and neck leads to this form of cancer. The symptoms are experiencing trouble in swallowing. 

e) Oral Cancer: Mainly formed in the mouth includes lips, cheeks, teeth, and gums. Tobacco and alcohol are the main reasons for this form of cancer. Most patients over 60 years old are susceptible to it.  

f) Oropharyngeal cancer: Primarily formed in the oropharynx, which is part of the throat behind the mouth. It’s found in the anatomical borders of the oropharynx and the majority of oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from surface cells of the throat.

g) Hypopharyngeal cancer: Here malignant cells form in the squamous cells in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the hypopharynx. It has 3 different areas and can be found in 1 or more of them. Heavy drinking and tobacco usage are risk factors.

 Head and neck cancer symptoms

• Mouth Ulcer and lumps in neck, jaw, and mouth
• Pain in the face and neck
• Difficulty in jaw movement and swallowing
• Ear Pain and white and red patches in the mouth
• Lump in the lips
• Shaky teeth
• Nosebleeds, nasal congestion and sinus infections that don’t respond to treatment

Causes of head and neck cancers

       1)Tobacco

       2)Alcohol

Other factors that can raise risk factors are:-

• Prolonged sun exposure
• Human papillomavirus: Sexual activity with a person with HPV 
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or "mono," plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer
• Gender: The likelihood is two to three times more in men
• Age: People aged 40 and above are more susceptible 
• Poor oral and dental hygiene
• Environmental or occupational inhalants: Inhaling asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes
• Marijuana use

 Head and neck cancer treatments 

Surgeries are the most common methods of curing wherein cancerous tumors and surrounding healthy tissues are eliminated. The options are-

• Laser technology
• Excision

Reconstructive surgery

For instance, a prosthodontist can make an artificial dental or facial part to restore the ability to swallow and speak. Plus a speech pathologist treats patients can help patients relearn swallowing and communicating using new techniques and special equipment. 

Therefore head and neck cancers are highly preventable cancers and the general public needs to be informed,  especially the younger illiterate population about the adverse health consequences. Let’s strive to be a cancer-free country, a healthy country.

For the best head and neck cancer hospitals in India please visit: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre