Head & Neck Cancers - All You Must Know!

Head and neck cancers encompass a wide variety of cancers that can involve oral cavity, throat, nose, neck, thyroid and salivary glands. Head and Neck cancers are further classified into various categories on the basis of the area of the neck and head where they occur.

Salivary gland cancers are generally very infrequent.

Causes
Tobacco and alcohol abuse has been shown to increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer independently. Combined together, they increase the risk manifolds.
The increased risk is also found in people who suffer from infections caused by Human Papillomavirus.

Other factors may be known to increase the risk are:

Oral health - Untreated gum diseases and oral cavity can be the reasons behind the development of the disease.

Sex - Women are less prone to head and neck cancers than men.

Lack of Nutrition - poor nutritional status has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer.

Age - People above 40 years of age are more susceptible to head and neck cancer.

Symptoms -

Difficulty in swallowing - In cancers affecting the pharynx and Oesophagus(food pipe)

Hoarse Voice -  due to laryngeal cancer

Oral Cavity - A red or white patch on the tongue, the gums or the lining of the mouth.

Bleeding: some cancers may present with bleeding especially in case of nasal tumours.

Neck swelling: some cancers affecting the throat and nose may present initially with a neck swelling. 

Screening:
High-risk individuals should make it a point to visit an ENT specialist to get thoroughly evaluated to rule out any early cancer.
This evaluation may include:
1. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy
2. Video laryngoscopy
3. FNAC from neck masses

Prevention:

1. Stop tobacco

2. Avoid alcohol

Treatment options
Depending on the stage of the tumour, age of the patient, the physical fitness status of the patient, the doctor may choose any of the following or a combination thereof.

Surgery - Surgery is usually to remove the primary tumour in toto if possible. Also, the clearance of the lymph nodes that are involved is done during surgery at the same time.

Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy may be considered in some early laryngeal cancers or nasopharyngeal cancers. Also, they may be preferred in patients who are not fit enough to tolerate the stress of surgery.

Chemotherapy - It usually has an adjuvant role in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Treatment of head and neck cancers needs to be individualized for every patient depending on the stage age and physical status of the patient. The decision regarding the same can be best taken in consultation with the treating doctor.