Head and neck cancer is a blanket term that mainly comprises several types of cancer that usually arise in any part of the head and neck region, i.e., in the cells lining the inside of the mouth, throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx), thorax, eye and ear region, neck etc. These malignant cells are usually termed squamous cells. A rare form of head and neck cancers also initiate in the sinuses or salivary glands.

Also Read: Salivary Gland Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Head and neck cancer

The available treatment options for Head and neck cancers primarily rely on the type, location, size and grade of the tumour and comprise surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and sometimes even a combination of both. Additionally, post-treatment, complete recovery from head and neck cancers may involve working with rehabilitation specialists and other medical experts to cope with the treatment sides effects, such as hearing loss, dental problems, thyroid issues, and difficulty faced while eating, breathing or speaking.

Also Read: Oropharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Types

There are many different types of head and neck cancers depending upon the exact location where the cancer cells first arise. These include:

  • Mouth/ Oral cancer
  • Oropharyngeal cancer
  • Nasal and paranasal tumours
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma
  • The floor of the mouth cancer
  • Throat cancer
  • Tongue cancer
  • Tonsil cancer
  • Lip cancer
  • Pituitary tumours
  • Salivary gland tumours
  • Skin cancer
  • Soft palate cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

Causes

Although the exact cause of head and neck cancers is yet to be discovered just like any other form of cancer, most ongoing scientific studies indicate that it chiefly happens when there are certain mutations in the genetic code of the DNA of the particular regional cells of the affected organ. These changes stimulate the healthy cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably without perishing on time like the usual ones. Gradually, these abnormal cells keep accumulating to form a tumorous mass of cells in the affected region leading to cancer.

Risk Factors

Certain common causative factors that increase the chances of having Head and neck cancers include people:

  • Aged 50 years and older
  • More common in men
  • Who has/had any form of head and neck cancer in the past
  • Who is suffering from any viral infections like HPV, EPV and HIV
  • Who have an already compromised immune system due to chronic health conditions
  • Who has an extreme addiction to tobacco and alcohol
  • Get exposed to toxins like asbestos or other carcinogenic substances like pesticides, wood dust, paint fumes, etc. daily
  • Who has been exposed to radiation in the past
  • Who follow poor dental hygiene
  • Who are suffering from inherited anaemia
  • Who has a personal and family history of other types of cancer
  • Who follows a diet lacking fruits, vegetables and fluids
  • Who consume too much oily, fried, salt-cured or canned foods

Symptoms

Head and neck cancers are quite difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are often in the form of mild indications and can mimic a cold or sore throat. However, the characteristic symptoms that do appear in the later stages include:

  • A sore throat that doesn’t heal
  • A sore or lesion in the oral cavity or throat that doesn’t go away easily
  • Feeling of pain or numbness in the facial muscles
  • An abrupt neck pain that won’t mitigate
  • A red or white patch or lesion on the gums, tongue or inside the oral cavity
  • Swelling and inflammation in the jaw, face or neck
  • Nosebleeds
  • Presence of blood in the phlegm or saliva
  • Frequent persistent sinus infections
  • Difficulty while speaking or breathing
  • A formation of a small lump in the mouth, throat or neck
  • Continuous headaches
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing food
  • Pain and inflammation in the gums and upper teeth
  • Persistent earaches or infections within the ear cavity that don’t heal

Diagnosis And Treatment

If you notice any of the above-noted indications, do consult a doctor at the earliest. In case the general physician suspects cancer, an oncologist consultation is necessary to determine the manifestations. The doctor usually does a thorough physical check-up, acknowledges the patient’s personal and family medical history and conducts the following diagnostics:

  • Endoscopy of the affected part
  • Blood tests for HPV and EPV
  • Imaging procedures like CT-scan, MRI-scan, PET-scan, X-ray, and Barium swallow
  • Biopsy

Treatment

The treatment plan for head and neck cancers chiefly depends on the location and size of the tumour, the particular stage of the tumour and the physical condition of the patient. It includes the following procedures:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Clinical trials
  • Rehabilitation
  • Palliative care

Prevention

Although cancer cannot be avoided altogether, some preventative measures may reduce the incidence of developing one to a huge extent. These measures include:

  • Quitting smoking or consumption of tobacco in any form
  • Limiting the intake of alcohol
  • Getting timely vaccinations for HPV
  • Clearing out any asbestos or carcinogenic materials, both at work and home
  • Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables , whole grains and good quality proteins
  • Staying well hydrated
  • Exercising routinely to maintain a healthy body weight