Head and neck cancer profoundly affects essential functions like eating, speaking, and breathing. These malignant tumors, which develop in the head and neck region, require early diagnosis and treatment. However, despite their serious nature, awareness remains low, often resulting in delayed diagnoses. To combat this issue, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and risk factors associated with head and neck cancer.
Head and neck cancer encompasses a range of malignancies in the head and neck area, including oral, laryngeal, pharyngeal, salivary gland, nasal cavity, and tonsil cancers. Thyroid cancer is classified separately.
The primary risk factors are tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Smoking, in particular, can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer by 1.7 to 2 times. Alcohol consumption can trigger mutations in mucosal cells, further elevating the risk. Recent years have seen a rise in HPV-related head and neck cancers.
Symptoms vary based on the cancer’s location and stage. Red flags include persistent voice changes lasting over six weeks, oral ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks, and red or white patches in the mouth.
Other warning signs include swallowing difficulties lasting more than three weeks, loose teeth, chronic nasal blockage on one side, ear fullness, neck lumps, and facial paralysis. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Treatment for head and neck cancer is complex due to the proximity of organs vital for eating, speaking, and breathing.
Early-stage treatment may involve surgery or radiation therapy alone, while advanced cases typically require a combination approach. Nasopharyngeal cancer often responds well to radiation therapy, making it the first-line treatment.
For nasal cavity cancer, surgery is the primary treatment, with endoscopic procedures being preferred. Laryngeal cancer treatment begins with surgery or radiation therapy, progressing to total laryngectomy if the cancer recurs.
When caught and treated in stages 1 or 2, head and neck cancer survival rates can reach 80-90%, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Screening can be done easily through endoscopic examination at an ENT clinic. If suspicious areas are found, further imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, and tissue biopsies, are used to make a definitive diagnosis. HPV testing is also available.
Including oral examinations in routine health screenings can significantly reduce cancer risk. Research from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital shows that groups receiving additional oral exams had a 16% lower incidence of head and neck cancer.
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