Table Of Content

Introduction

Cancers occurring in the head and neck are called head and neck cancers. These cancers occur as a result of uncontrolled, abnormal proliferation of the cells. Head and neck cancers happen in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. These cancers may also spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Head and neck cancers do not include the brain and the eye cancers. As head and neck cancers occur in the squamous cells, they are otherwise also known as squamous cell carcinomas.

Types of Head & Neck Cancer

The different types of cancers occurring in the head and neck include,

  • Oral cancer (Mouth cancer)
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer
  • Oropharyngeal cancer
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer
  • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses cancer
  • Salivary gland cancer

Causes & Risk Factors of Head & Neck Cancer

Although various risk factors are associated with the occurrence of head and neck cancers, alcohol consumption and smoking are the two most common risk factors. The chances of developing head and neck cancers are more in people consuming both alcohol and tobacco together, in comparison to people who use either one of the two.

The different risk factors of head and neck cancers are,

  • Tobacco consumption
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Occupational and environmental exposure to wood dust, asbestos, synthetic fibre etc
  • Old age
  • Poor oral and dental health
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)
  • Weak immunity
  • Poor Dietary choices

Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer

The symptoms of head and neck cancer are,

  • Trouble in speaking and swallowing
  • Bad breath
  • Pain and trouble hearing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Formation of a lump in the head or neck that may or may not be painful
  • Forming of red or white patches in the mouth
  • Changes in the voice
  • Persistent coughing
  • Bleeding or discharge from the nose or nasal congestion
  • Double vision and headache
  • Feeling fatigued
  • Breathlessness
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss

Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of head and neck cancer increases the chances of survival of the patient. The various diagnostic tests that are performed by the doctor to diagnose head and neck cancers include,

  • Physical examinations
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Biopsy
  • Endoscopic examination
  • Radiological diagnostics such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PETs, bone scans and ultrasound scans.

Head & Neck Cancer Treatment

Depending on the individual's overall health, type and size of and the patient's preference, the doctor may recommend the treatment options. You may receive one or a combination of these treatment types if you have head and neck cancers. The various treatment options available to treat head and neck cancers include

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy.

Prevention of Head & Neck Cancer

The following preventive measures can help reduce the risk of getting head and neck cancers:

  • Say no to tobacco: Avoiding or stopping tobacco consumption can reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
  • No alcohol consumption: Limiting or completely stopping the intake of alcohol can help in lowering the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
  • HPV Vaccination: Getting vaccinated for HPV can not only prevent the risk of getting HPV infection but also head and neck cancers.
  • Practice safe sex: Safe sexual practices like using condoms and dental dams can prevent HPV infection, lowering the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
  • Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing like masks to protect yourself from harmful fumes, dust, and toxins.
  • UV protection: Wear sunscreens, use scarfs, gloves, and an umbrella to protect yourself from harmful UV rays from the sun. Avoid UV rays by limiting the time of exposure to sun and tanning beds to prevent the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
  • Regular dental check-ups: Oral health and hygiene are extremely necessary and require regular visits to the dentist. In certain cases, oral cancers are found during dental check-ups.
  • A healthy diet: A clean, healthy, and well-balanced diet is necessary to prevent the risk of developing head and neck cancers and keep overall health in check.

Head & Neck Cancer FAQs

1. Does my family history of head and neck cancers put me at risk?

Yes, having a family history of head and neck cancers is one of the main risk factors for developing head and neck cancers. So, if you have a family history of the same, then you are at a risk too. Periodic screening and diagnosing can help in preventing the progression of head and neck cancer by detecting and treating it in its early stages.

2. How will having unsafe sex or sex with multiple partners give me head and neck cancer?

Unsafe sex or sex with multiple partners puts you at a risk of contracting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is one of the risk factors of developing oral cancers. If you get infected with HPV due to unprotected sex or multi-partnered sex, then you are at a risk of head and neck cancers.

3. I’ve been experiencing a persistent cough for more than a week. What should I do?

Usually coughing can be due to various reasons. But if the cough is persistent, and has started bothering you, then it is recommended that you visit your doctor. Depending
on your condition, your doctor may recommend you to get a few diagnostic tests done, as persistent cough can be a symptom of head and neck cancer.

4. Is it possible to find head and neck cancer during dental check up?

In many instances, head and neck cancers are detected at a dentist's clinic.A dentist might find lesions, thick white patches or abnormally red portions in your mouth during a dental check up, which might be some signs of head and neck cancers like oral cancer. Hence, it is essential to get regular dental check-ups done, as your dentist might help you in detecting head and neck cancers in its early stages.

5. I found a painless lump in my neck. What does it mean?

A painless lump in the neck could be an indication of head and neck cancers. It is essential to consult a doctor immediately if you have a painless lump in your neck.

6. Can head and neck cancers spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, when not detected and treated on time, head and neck cancers can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.

7. What are the chances of survival for a head and neck cancer patient?

The chances of survival (prognosis) of a patient having head and neck cancer depends upon various factors such as:

  • Age
  • Overall patient health and response to the treatment
  • Recurrence of cancer after its treatment
  • Cancer stage
  • Stage of diagnosis of the cancer

References:

  • https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/head-and-neck-cancer/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-and-prevention/ (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/head-and-neck-cancer/ (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/risk-prevention-screening (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14458-head-and-neck-cancer#symptoms-and-causes (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/head-neck-cancer (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/types-treatment (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/symptoms-and-signs (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet#how-common-are-head-and-neck-cancers (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet#how-can-i-reduce-my-risk-of-developing-head-and-neck-cancers(Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet#what-are-head-and-neck-cancer-symptoms (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer#symptoms-and-causes (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/head-and-neck-cancer#treatment (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-and-neck-cancers/symptoms-causes/syc-20354171 (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/head-and-neck-cancer#risk-factors (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/head-neck (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/chemotherapy-for-head-and-neck-cancer (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-pembrolizumab-first-line-treatment-head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma (Accessed on 19/09/2022)
  • https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/nivolumab-scchn(Accessed on 19/09/2022)