Head and Neck Cancer
HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Head and neck cancer are of the squamous cell variety. Squamous cells are the thin flat cells that line the surface of the oral cavity, aerodigestive tact and other organs. These cells may then become pre-cancerous. Cancers that arise from these cells are called squamous cell carcinomas. Tumors can occur in several areas of the head and neck region, some are the nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx, swallowing passages, salivary glands, and the thyroid gland. There are many different types of head and neck cancers. Some are oral, laryngeal, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypo-pharyngeal, salivary gland, and thyroid.People who use tobacco or drink alcohol excessively are much more likely than others to develop the disease.
Epidemiology
About 2,000 people seek treatment for head and neck cancer. Head and neck Are of the squamous cell variety.
Risk Factors
- Risk factors for head and neck cancers include the use of tobacco products, second hand smoke, alcohol, a history of pre-cancerous lesions, and exposure to the cancer-causing agents in the environment.
- People who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol are at a greater risk for the disease.
- A combination of tobacco and alcohol use increases the risk for oral cancer by 6–15 times more than for users of either substance alone
- Smoking raises the risk of cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx much greater than nonsmokers.
- People who have had extensive exposure to the sun are at a higher risk for skin cancers in the areas of head and neck.
- Poor oral hygiene, exposure to occupational inhalants, poor nutrition, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), and human papilloma virus infection.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of head and neck cancer are:
- A sore that does not heal over a period of time or that a gums bleed easily.
- Persistent sore throat and hoarseness pain in the neck, throat, or ears that doesn’t go away.
- Difficulty in swallowing or chewing.
- A lump or swelling in the neck.
- Loosening of teeth or numbness in the tongue or other areas.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and a complete medical history will be taken and noting all symptoms and risk factors. There will be a thorough examination of the head and neck areas and the inside of the mouth and oral cavity. The tongue and the back of the throat are examined as well.
- Imaging tests are performed such as a CT or computed tomographic scan and MRI or magnetic resonance image scan or an ultrasound exam.
- Other tests include a panorex, a barium swallow, dental x-rays, chest x-rays, and radionuclide bone scan.
- Biopsy is performed to avoid any possibilities of cancer when a sore does not heal or a suspicious patch or lump is seen in the mouth, larynx, nasopharynx, or throat.
Treatment
- Treatment of head and neck cancer depends on the size of the tumor and location.
- Other treatments are surgery which is the primary treatment method, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- Some patients may need a surgical examination of the lymph nodes in the neck to see if any cancer cells have spread beyond the site of origin
