Head and neck cancer refers to a group of malignancies present in the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx or sinuses. The condition has a higher occurrence rate in Asia with the region accounting for 57.5% of all cases globally. In India, about 80% of head and neck cancer presentations are in advanced stage opposed to 40% in the developed nations. Here, lack of awareness and low accessibility to healthcare is the prime culprit. The numbers are gradually declining, though.
Types & Symptoms:
Head and neck cancer is categorized into five types, depending on the infected areas. The symptoms and treatment modalities are specific to each type.
- Oral cavity: The malignancy affecting the oral cavity, including lips, gums, the interior of mouth and cheeks, hard palate, and tongue. The oral cavity malignancy is characterized by red and white patches surfacing on the affected areas, unexplained swelling and inflammation in jaws and frequent bleeding. Moderate to severe pain is also reported.
- Pharynx: A medical term for the throat, Pharynx is a tube connecting nose and oesophagus that aids digestion and respiration. It helps you to swallow food and move it from the mouth through the food pipe to the stomach. The Pharynx cancer impacts tonsils, the rear end of the tongue and soft palate. The presence is indicated by issues in swallowing, breathing, hearing and speaking, in addition to persistent pain in throat, ear and neck.
- Larynx: Larynx is the voice box – an organ suspended in the rear of the throat. Home to the epiglottis and vocal cords, the voice box is integral to phonation, since it influences and controls the volume, tone and pitch of voice. Keeping the solid and liquid foods from entering the wrong pipe is also a key function of the larynx. When you experience difficulty in swallowing and speaking, sudden and unexplained modification in voice or intense ear pain, it’s time to visit your doctor for head and neck cancer treatment.
- Nasal Cavity: In layman terms, Nasal Cavity is the area within the nose, while paranasal sinuses refer to spaces surrounding the bones in and around the nose. Together, they are tasked with filtering and moisturizing the breathed air, generating mucus, adding uniqueness to the voice, safeguarding the brain from trauma, and providing the sense of smell. The clinical indications of nasal cavity cancer include constant nosebleeds and headaches, inflammation surrounding eyes and chronically blocked sinuses and infections.
- Salivary glands: These glands are responsible for generating saliva (spit), which lubricates and moisturizes the entire digestive system, notably mouth and oesophagus. Also, they aid in breaking down carbohydrates. You can locate them right next to the jawbone. The salivary gland cancer is suggested by swollen chin and jawbone, insensitive facial muscles, and persistent pain in the neck, face, chin and surrounding parts.
Causes & Risk Factors:
There’s no definitive clue to the origin of head and neck cancer. The condition is linked to the abnormal growth of cells and their inability to self-destruct. This leads to tumour formation, which gradually spreads to other body parts via lymph nodes. The head and neck cancer treatment work best when the condition is presented early, preferably in Stage 1.
There are certain factors that expose you to head and neck cancer, including, but not limited to:
- Active as well as passive smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- Prolonged exposure to asbestos, silica dust and other hazardous inhalants
- Being a male (Men are 2 times more vulnerable)
- Conditions, such as EBV, HPV and GERD
- Vitamin deficient diet
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Oriental Origin
- Genetic Syndromes
- Ageing
Vaping
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