Head And Neck Cancer

Overview

Head and neck cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck, such as the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands.

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent mouth ulcers, Hoarseness of voice, Difficulty or pain when swallowing, Cough, Shortness of breath, Sore throat, Lump in the neck, Persistent blocked or stuffy nose, Nosebleed, Decreased sense of smell, Tinnitus

Common Causes

Excessive alcohol use, Heavy smoking, Chewing tobacco products and betel nuts, Poor diet with lots of salted or preserved food, Infections such as human papillomavirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus infection, Poor dental health, Occupational exposure to asbestos, formaldehyde, wood dust and synthetic fibers, Family history of cancer

Risk Factors

Excessive alcohol use, Heavy smoking, Chewing tobacco products and betel nuts, Poor diet with lots of salted or preserved food, Infections such as human papillomavirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus infection, Poor dental health, Occupational exposure to asbestos, formaldehyde, wood dust and synthetic fibers, Family history of cancer

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Biopsy such as punch biopsy, fine needle aspiration with cytology, nasoendoscopy, panendoscopy, X-ray, Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected area, Computerised tomography (CT) scan of the affected area, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Treatment and Prevention

Surgery to remove affected tissues such as partial glossectomy, followed by reconstructive facial surgery, Radiation therapy such as internal radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy such as Cetuximab, Photodynamic therapy, Palliative care