Head and neck cancer is a cancer that starts in the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity (inside the nose), paranasal sinuses, pharynx and larynx.
Signs & Symptoms:
Swelling or sore that does not heal
Red or white patch in the mouth
Lump, bump, or mass in the head or neck area, with or without pain
Persistent sore throat
Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene
Hoarseness or change in voice
Nasal obstruction or persistent nasal congestion
Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge
Difficulty breathing
Double vision
Numbness or weakness of a body part in the head and neck region
Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue
Ear and/or jaw pain
Blood in the saliva or phlegm, which is mucus discharged in mouth from respiratory passages
Loosening of teeth
Dentures that no longer fit
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Risk Factors:
Tobacco use
Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol
Prolonged sun exposure
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Gender
Age
Race
Poor oral/dental hygiene
Environmental/occupational inhalants
Poor nutrition
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).
Viral infection
Epstein-Barr virus
Human papillomavirus
Human immunodeficiency virus
Herpes simplex virus
Betel nut chewing
Common Types:
Mouth cancer
Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Salivary Gland Cancer
Diagnosis:
Physical examination/blood and urine tests
Endoscopy
Biopsy
Molecular testing of the tumor
X-ray/barium swallow
Panorex
Ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Bone scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Stages:
Stage 0 A stage 0 head and neck cancer tumor means the cancer is only growing in the part of the head and neck where it started. No cancer cells are present in deeper layers of tissue, nearby structures, lymph nodes, or distant sites
Stage 1 A stage I head and neck cancer tumor means the primary tumor is 2 cm across or smaller, and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes, or distant sites
Stage 2 A stage II head and neck tumor measures 2–4 cm across, and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes, or distant sites
Stage 3 A stage III head and neck tumor means one of the following:
The head and neck tumor is larger than 4 cm across, and no cancer cells are present in nearby structures, lymph nodes, or distant sites
The head and neck tumor is any size but has not grown into nearby structures or distant sites. However, cancer cells are present in one lymph node, which is located on the same side of the head or neck as the primary tumor and is smaller than 3 cm across
Stage 4
One of the following applies:
The head and neck cancer tumor is any size and is growing into nearby structures
The tumor has invaded deeper areas and/or tissues. It may or may not have spread to lymph nodes and has not spread to distant sites.
The tumor is any size and may or may not have grown into other structures. It has spread to one or more lymph nodes larger than 6 cm across, but has not spread to distant sites.
The head and neck cancer tumor is any size and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes. Cancer cells have spread to distant sites.
Prevention:
Avoid alcohol consumption
Avoid smoking
Avoid tobacco chewing
Maintain good dental hygiene
Ensure that there is no chronic irritation because of any tooth or dentures
Management:
Surgery
Laser technology
Excision
Lymph node dissection
Reconstructive (plastic) surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
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