Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck surgeon in Hyderabad | Dr Neetu Modgil

Definition of Head and Neck Cancers: It is a broad term used to describe different types of cancers in and around head and neck – such as mouth (mouth floor, palate), tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinuses, nasal cavity, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, salivary glands and skin of neck and head, skull, ears, eyes and temporal bone.

The moist mucosal lining inside the mouth, nose and throat has squamous cells. Head and neck cancers begin in these cells (squamous cells carcinomas). Based on the area of the head and neck in which cancer begins, head and neck cancers are further categorized as oral cancers, nasopharyngeal cancers, cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and salivary gland cancers.

Head & Neck Cancer Facts

• 85% of head & neck cancers are oral cancers.
• These cancers are detected late – mortality is high
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) has become one of the risk factors.
• The patient may not experience any symptoms.
• The risk of recurrence of cancer is 20 times higher after initial episode & treatment.
• Excessive tobacco usage & alcohol consumption are the two major causes of head and neck cancer
• High-risk oral sex can increase the risk of oral cancer.

Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancers in India is on the rise

In India, head and neck cancers are the major cause for concern owing to their lengthy latent period. Nearly 60% of the cancer cases occur in developing Asian countries and to a large extent in India. Among all the other types of cancers, head and neck cancers account for nearly about 40%. Another discouraging fact is that more than 75% of cancer cases are presented in the advanced stages as compared to only 30% in developed countries.

These warning signs often go unnoticed

Seemingly sound adults and even youngsters, at times do not take a serious note of red or white patches in their mouth assuming them to be regular mouth ulcers – but in real terms, it could be a real warning sign that needs to be taken care of.

 Head and neck cancer symptoms

The silent signs of head and neck cancer that often go unnoticed include red or white patches in the mouth. Many people consider them as mouth ulcers, but if you notice those especially if you use tobacco or smoke, then it is better to seek medical help immediately, or else you would risk your life. The other warning signs include bad breath, mouth sores, tongue pain, a lump in the neck, numbness in the mouth, loose tooth or teeth, jaw pain, trouble moving jaw, ear pain, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and fatigue all the time and hoarseness.

Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

If an individual is presented with the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, a head and neck surgeon in Hyderabad thoroughly examines the patient and make a note of symptoms and other risk factors and orders some tests. The doctor performs a physical examination to look for lumps in the neck, armpits, cheeks and throat – and then examines inside of mouth, nose, tongue and throat. An endoscopy helps the doctor to clearly see & examine inside of throat, nose, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus (laryngoscopy, pharyngoscopy, nasopharyngoscopy, respectively).  Next, the doctor may order blood and urine tests. In addition, a diagnostic test based on signs and symptoms, age, medical condition, type of cancer suspected may be ordered. Biopsy (fine needle aspiration) is done and the cells are examined under a microscope (cytologic analysis) to confirm the diagnosis. An ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, PET-CT scan are the other diagnostic tests to detect cancer.

Is the early diagnosis of oral cancers possible?

Yes. If you notice an abnormal sore or ulcer in your mouth, you should visit a head and neck surgeon in Hyderabad who will examine it properly and if deems necessary may order appropriate tests after evaluating the early warning signs and symptoms. Early detection of oral cancer offers better prognosis and treatment with excellent clinical outcomes.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment          

Head and neck cancers can be effectively cured if they are detected early. The treatment goal is to eliminate cancer completely and to ensure the integrity and preservation of function of surrounding nerves, muscles, tissues and organs. Several factors play a critical role in the treatment process including the age of the patient, location of the tumour, the extent of the tumour, stage of cancer and overall health of the patient. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of these therapies can be a part of the treatment plan.

Dr Neetu Modgil

ENT Specialist, Head and Neck surgeon in Hyderabad