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