Head & Neck Cancer
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment In Agra
A group of cancers that begins in or around the throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, or the mouth is called head and neck cancer. This type of cancer is believed to start in the cells in the exteriors of these body parts. Head and neck cancers can further be categorised into five types; oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and salivary glands.
Types of Head & Neck Cancer
ORAL CAVITY
Cancer that affects the lips and insides of the mouth falls under this category. Certain parts affected include gums, hard palate, cheek insides, and tongue.
PHARYNX
Cancers affecting your throat, tongue, tonsils and soft palate fall under this category. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include painful swallowing, earaches, trouble breathing, talking and hearing.
LARYNX
Larynx cancer affects your vocal cords and epiglottis. The signs and symptoms of larynx cancer are very similar to pharynx cancer symptoms.
NASAL CAVITY & PARANASAL; SINUSES
Cancer cells form in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity tissues. Warning signs of this cancer type include nosebleeds, headaches, sinus infections, swelling around the eyes, and pain in your teeth.
SALIVARY GLAND
Salivary glands cancer is a rare type of cancer that can begin in any of your salivary glands. The symptoms of this cancer include swelling under and around chin and jawbone, numb muscles, lump, sores in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, and blood in your spit. The treatment options for salivary gland tumours or cancers include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
DIAGNOSIS
A surgical oncologist may start the diagnosis of any head and neck cancer by evaluating the patient’s medical history and then conducting a physical examination and ordering other diagnostic tests.
- For a physical examination, the doctor may visually inspect the oral and nasal cavities, throat, neck and tongue. Small mirrors and lights are used to check for the presence of any lumps in and around the lips, gums, cheeks and neck.
- Endoscopic procedures may be followed to examine the areas inside the body with the help of a flexible tube called an endoscope.
- The samples of blood, urine or cells from the nodes are sent to the laboratory for other tests.
- For obtaining the images of the head and neck areas, X-rays, CT scan, PET scan and MRI can be used.
A biopsy is the only sure procedure in head and neck oncology to determine whether a person has cancer or not. Here, a small part of the tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to make a diagnosis
TREATMENT
Every cancer patient is different. Therefore, a special team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, onco-pathologists, radiation oncologists and imaging specialists evaluate the condition of the patient and chart out a customized treatment plan for them. Some of the modalities of head and neck cancer treatments available are mentioned below.
- Surgery: In head and neck surgery, the cancer is removed along with some of the healthy tissues around it. Radiation treatment may be given after the surgery.
- Radiation: Different types of radiation therapy may be suggested for the patients, such as 3DCRT, IMRT or IGRT.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is usually given along with radiation therapy. The anti-cancer drugs used can kill the fast-growing cells in the body.
- Targeted therapy: Unlike chemotherapy, the drugs used in targeted therapy selectively kill cancer cells. However, its application in the treatment of head and neck cancer is limited.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs are doctor-supervised programs for patients who underwent treatment for cancer. It helps them to get back to their daily activities quicker as well as improves their well-being.
HEAD & NECK CANCER FAQ's
Symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, and lumps or sores in the mouth or neck. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, prolonged sun exposure, and a family history of head and neck cancer. Understanding these risks helps in prevention and early detection.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice depends on the cancer type, stage, and individual factors. Multidisciplinary approaches are often employed for comprehensive care.
Depending on the tumor’s location and treatment, patients may experience changes in speech and swallowing. Rehabilitation therapies are often used to address these challenges and improve quality of life.
While not all cases are preventable, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, can reduce the risk. Additionally, vaccination against HPV can contribute to prevention. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection.
