FAQs about Head and Neck Cancer

It has been observed that most of the people google about head and neck cancer, which is one of the most common cancers.

Head and neck cancer occurs in the head and neck regions and the treatment depends on the type, location and size of the cancer. In an exclusive conversation with Swasthya Sambad, Dr Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Consultant Surgical Oncology, HCG Panda Cancer Hospital shares more details and frequently asked questions about this form of cancer.

Excerpts:

What does head and neck cancer mean?

Cancer that arises in the regions of nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or voice box are called head and neck cancer.

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Lump in the neck, sore in the mouth or throat with or without pain, persistent sore throat, swallowing difficulties, change in the voice, etc.

What causes head and neck cancer?

Risk factors for head and neck cancer are active/passive smoking, alcohol usage, HPV infection, Epstein-Barr infection, prolonged sun exposure, poor oral hygiene, increasing age, exposure to inhalants like asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, pesticides and fertilizers, etc.

How does head and neck cancer spread?

Head and neck cancer commonly spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, they can also spread through direct extension, along nerves and through blood vessels to adjacent and distant organs.

How to detect head and neck cancer at early stage?

Regular oral screening, being mindful of mouth ulcers, lumps, red or white patches inside the mouth, sore throat and hoarse voice that do not go away even after 2 weeks.

How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Various tests are available – Physical examinations, blood tests for biomarkers, endoscopy, biopsies, imaging tests like head MRI, CT of the sinuses, head CT, dental X-ray, PET/CT or chest imaging.

How is head and neck cancer treated?

That entirely depends on the case –various approaches like open or minimally-invasive surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are used to treat and manage head & neck cancers.

How to prevent head and neck cancer?

Right measures like quitting tobacco, avoiding alcohol abuse, eating healthy, maintaining good oral hygiene, using a sunscreen every day, etc., are some ways to reduce your head and neck cancer risk.

Is head and neck cancers common?

Yes – head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. It accounts for about 57% of the total number of cases across the world.

Is head and neck cancer hereditary?

In most cases, head and neck cancer is not hereditary. However, having a family history of genetic disorders like Fanconi anaemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome and other conditions can increase one’s head & neck cancer risk.

Is head and neck cancers curable?

The success rate depends on the stage in which the cancer is diagnosed. However, today, specialists are able to treat a large percentage of head and neck cancers with excellent survival rates due to advanced technology and novel treatment approaches.

Why does alcohol cause head and neck cancer?

The ethanol present in alcoholic drinks breaks down to acetaldehyde, which is a carcinogen. This compound damages DNA and leads to tumour formation.

Can HPV infection cause head and neck cancer?

Yes – HPV infection can cause head & neck cancers. Of all, HPV16 is the predominant HPV typethat can lead to head and neck cancers.

Can head and neck cancer come back?

Yes, head and neck cancers can come back, and, it is for this reason, a proper follow-up programme after the treatment becomes important.

 

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