What is Head and Neck Cancer?
Cancer is a disease with abnormal growth of cells in the body parts. Similarly, head and neck cancer is the same growth in parts like lip, mouth, nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. It means, there would be variety of cancers here, but most of them would be biologically similar.
This form of cancer is linked with specific factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, chemicals, UV light etc. Such cancers are capable to proliferate further in other region, thus pose great risks. However, this form of cancer sis curable if detected early.
What are the types of Head and Neck Cancer?
There are various types of head and neck cancer. Let’s have a look at them:-
Cancers of oral cavity - Such cancers are called squamous cell cancers and mostly caused by smoking and alcohol usages Cancers of Nasopharynx – Such cancers originate in the nasopharynx region Cancers of Oropharynx – Start in the oropharynx Cancers of Hypopharynx – A form with the ability to metastasize early Cancers of Larynx – They starts in the larynx Trachea - A rare type
Sign and symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
There may be many signs and symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer. Some of them include:-
• Pain in the neck • Mass in the neck • Bleeding from the mouth • Congestion of the Sinus • Bad breath and Sore tongue • Non-healing and painless ulcer in the mouth • Bleeding in the mouth • Numbness in the mouth • Lump in the lip • Lump in the mount • Lump in the gums • Speech slurring and persistence harsh voice ( • Sore throat
Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
Surgery, chemo and radiation therapy are most common form of treatment options for head and neck cancer. Targeted therapy may also be tried, depending on the nature of the disease.
The treatment relies on the stage of cancer, and also takes into account the probable side effects. The general health of the patient is also considered before suggesting a treatment plan.