Head & Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers mainly start from your mouth, throat, or voice box. These cells are also called squamous cells. It is crucial to know the complexities of the diagnosis, including different types, symptoms, and diagnosis. Facing head and neck cancer can be overwhelming, both for individuals and their loved ones. This blog is a space where we will discuss various aspects of this type of cancer. Let us embark on this journey exploring the symptoms, causes, and treatment. Symptoms of Head and Neck CancerLump on the back of jaw, neck, or mouthA mouth ulcerPain or weakness in the faceNeck painDifficulty moving the jawDifficulty swallowingSpeech problemsEar pain or hearing lossNeck pain that does not go awayTrouble breathing or speakingFrequent sinus infections that won’t go awayA white or red patch in your gums, tongue, or inside the mouthPersistent sore throatFrequent headachesPlease check with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any symptoms. They may be big signs of head and neck cancer. Causes of Head and Neck CancerHead and neck cancers mainly affect men over 50. The most common causes of this type of cancer are: TobaccoTobacco use is the most common cause of head and neck cancer. Nearly 70 to 80 % of the people suffering from this type of cancer are addicted to tobacco. Tobacco use includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Passive smoking can also lead to cancer. Drinking Too Much AlcoholDrinking too much alcohol can also lead to the risk of head and neck cancers. If you drink, then not more than two drinks for men and not more than one drink for women should be used per day. Human PapillomavirusHPV is also a main cause of head and neck cancer. It is a main cause, primarily among young adults. Up to 75 % of oropharyngeal cancers are associated with HPV infection. Epstein Barr VirusEBV is also a cause of head and neck cancer. It can lead to nasopharyngeal cancer. Weak Immune SystemA weak immune system makes it hard to fight cancer. HIV infection and recent major surgeries have both been associated with cancer that results from a weak immune system. Exposure to certain substancesIf you are continuously exposed to certain substances like asbestos, pesticides, wood dust, and paint, it can also increase your chances of cancer. Radiation ExposureRadiation treatment from malignant or benign tumors is also linked to salivary gland cancer. DietIncreasing too many salt-cured foods like meat and fish can increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. GenesYour genes can also increase the risk of head and neck cancer. For example, people who have Fanconi Anemia inherit genes from their parents. These people are at risk of head and neck cancers. Poor Dental HygieneIf you do not take care of your teeth properly, it can increase the risk of periodontal cancer and oral cancer. Treatment of Head and Neck CancerHead and neck cancer treatment can affect teeth, gums, and mouth. Here are some things you need to do before treatment:Visiting the dentistConsult a dietitian about improving your diet and nutrition.Building up your strength by exercisingIt’s best to quit smoking because you might not respond to treatment as well as someone who doesn’t smoke.The three main treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Your healthcare provider may also recommend new treatment options that we are going to discuss in this part of the blog: SurgeryThe main motive behind the surgery is to remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. The surgeons can also remove the lymph nodes in your neck if they suspect that cancer has spread there. Radiation TherapyIn radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays are directed toward head and neck cancers. You can receive radiation therapy as a standalone treatment or combined with other treatment options like surgery and chemotherapy. ChemotherapyIn chemotherapy, a single drug or combination of drugs is used to kill cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat advanced stages of head and neck cancers. Targeted TherapyThese drugs target specific types of cancer. They are most often used in combination with other treatments to treat advanced head and neck cancers. Cetuximab is a drug that targets a tumor protein called epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat particular head and neck cancers.
Learn More
