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Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

An Indore Cancer Foundation Guide

What is Cancer?

Cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the body. These cells can invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

  • Factors:
  •  Tobacco
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Viruses
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Pre-disposing risk factors
  • Life style
  • Genetic
  • Symptoms:
  • An ulcer/sore in the mouth that does not heal
  • A lump in the neck that persists and increases in size
  • A change in the voice/hoarseness of more than 3 weeks
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Blood when coughing
  • Ear aches that persist especially if accompanied by difficulty in swallowing
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Factors:

  • Tobacco
  • viruses
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Pre-disposing risk factors life style
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Genetic

Symptoms:

  • An ulcer/sore in the mouth that does not heal
  • A lump in the neck that persists and increases in size
  • A change in the voice/hoarseness of more than 3 weeks
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Blood when coughing
  • Ear aches that persist especially if accompanied by difficulty in swallowing

Diagnosis

During screening, doctors may perform physical examinations and recommend further tests like sonography of the neck, X-rays, needle aspiration tests, endoscopy, biopsy for definitive diagnosis or CT scans for getting more details and staging of the disease.

Stages of Head and Neck Cancer

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Stage I:  Early-stage cancer. The tumor is small and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes.

Stage II: The tumor is larger or has spread to a single lymph node on the same side of the head/neck as the tumor.

Stage III: The tumor is larger still or has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

Stage IV: Advanced cancer. The tumor is large, or has reached other parts of the body.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

Several types of head and neck cancer exist. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (is the predominant type)
  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Melanoma

Location of Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cavity: The lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth/palate.

Larynx: Voice box (larynx).

Pharynx: The part of the throat behind your tongue.

Sinus: The hollow spaces behind your cheekbones and by the sides of your nostrils.

Nasopharynx: Above the palate & below the eyes.

Salivary Glands: Glands that produce saliva.

Thyroid: A butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck responsible for hormone production.

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Treatment

    • Surgery: This involves removing the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. For extensive cancers, reconstruction surgery may also be done to restore function and appearance. In some cases, lymph glands are also removed.
    • Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays target and kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or sometimes on its own for early-stage cancers.
    • Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It’s often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) for advanced cases. Some times given to down stage the cancer prior to surgery. In some cases, given post surgery.
    •   Targetted therapy: Is used to specifically attack cancers cells. Treatment is often done after genetic testing.

Shattering Cancer Myths

Head and Neck Cancer Myths Debunked

Cancer is surrounded by a lot of misconceptions-

  • Myth: Cancer is contagious.
    • Busted: You cannot catch cancer from someone else. While some viruses like HPV can increase the risk of head and neck cancer, the cancer itself isn’t contagious.
  • Myth: Cancer is a death sentence.
    • Busted: Many types of head and neck cancers, especially when detected early, have excellent cure rates. Modern scientific treatments offer hope and a chance for a full life.
  • Myth: There’s nothing I can do to prevent cancer.
    • Busted: Stopping tobacco consumption in all forms and adopting a healthy lifestyle goes a long way in reducing the risk. HPV vaccination can also reduce your risk.
  • Myth: Surgery spreads cancer.
    • Busted: Modern surgical techniques minimize this risk. Early detection and skilled surgical oncologists make surgery a valuable tool to fight cancer.
  • Myth: Deodorant or antiperspirants cause cancer.
    • Busted: There’s no scientific evidence to support this.

Ask the Cancer Corner (FAQs)

General Cancer Questions:

Cancer develops when cells divide uncontrollably, forming tumors. These tumors can invade healthy tissues.

Symptoms vary depending on cancer type, but general signs include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, lumps, and changes in bowel or bladder habits over a long period of time.

No, cancer cannot spread through touch or contact.

Yes, many cancers are curable, especially when detected early. Treatment success depends on the type and stage of cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Doctors use a combination of tests like physical exams, biopsy, to diagnose cancer.

 Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Head and Neck Cancer Specific FAQs:

Tobacco use, a sharp tooth causing constant injury to the inner lining of the mouth, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and a family history are risk factors.

We offer clinical check up by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists and any relevant tests that help in detection. Early detection saves lives!

Contact our specialists for further information and to address any specific concerns.