Head & Neck Cancer Specialist in Delhi
What are Head & Neck Cancers?
Most head & neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer begins in the flat squamous cells that make up the thin layer of tissue on the surface of the structures in the head & neck.
What are the types of Head & Neck Cancers?
There are mainly five types of head and neck cancer, they are as follows:
- Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Oral and oropharyngeal cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
What are the risk factors for Head & Neck Cancers?
There are several factors that can put you at risk of developing Head and Neck Cancer, including,
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Longer Sun Exposure
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Male Sex
- Age over 40
- Poor oral and dental hygiene
- Poor Nutrition
- History of Head & Neck Cancer
Diagnosis for Head & Neck Cancer
The tests used to diagnose Head and Neck cancer depend on the type and location of cancer and the patient’s medical history & overall health status.
The following tests can be used to diagnose Head and Neck cancer:
- Physical Examination
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Biomarker Testing Of The Tumor
- X-ray / Barium Swallow
- Panoramic Radiograph
- Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Bone Scan
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
Signs & Symptoms of Head & Neck Cancer
A sign can be identified & measured by other people, such as a fever, rash, or an elevated pulse. A symptom is something that can be identified and described only by the person experiencing it, such as fatigue, nausea, or pain.
People with head & neck cancer may often experience the following symptoms or signs:
- Swelling or a sore that does not heal
- Red or white patch in the mouth
- Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area
- Persistent sore throat
- Foul mouth odor
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Nasal obstruction
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Difficulty in breathing
- Double vision
- Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head & neck region
- Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Jaw pain
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- Loosening of teeth
- Dentures that no longer fit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Ear pain or infection
Treatments for Head & Neck Cancer
Treatment options for Head and Neck cancer depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of head & neck cancer, its side effects, and the patient’s overall health & preferences.
Treatments
Local treatments treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body.
- Surgery
- Laser Technology
- Excision
- Lymph Node Dissection or Neck Dissection
- Reconstructive (plastic) Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
Systemic Treatments
Systemic Treatment uses drugs, which can be given by mouth or directly into the bloodstream.