Head and Neck Cancer: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Hope

Head and neck cancers are squamous cells in origin that include tumors in the nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Although it is most common in older males, it is currently becoming more common in younger men and women.

Head and neck cancer has various features differentiated by the location of tumors:

• Hypopharynx: dysphagia

Odynophagia

Enlarged lymph nodes

• Mouth: nonhealing ulcers

Ipsilateral otalgia 

• Nasal cavity & sinuses: obstruction, bloody rhinorrhea

• Nasopharynx: Conduction deafness

Diplopia

Hoarse voice

Atypical facial pain.

Horner's syndrome

• Oropharynx: Otalgia

Pain

Dysphagia

• Salivary gland: painless swelling

Facial nerve palsy

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and other risk factors are associated with head and neck cancer.

Early detection plays a key role in preventing and controlling head and neck cancer; it includes various tests based on various stages.

• CT scan 
• MRI scan
• X-ray
• PET-CT
• Endoscopy 
• HPV test 
• Biopsy
•  

Stages of head and neck cancer:

Stage I: Tumor ≤ 2 cm in greatest dimension ≤5 mm depth of invasion

• Stage II: Tumor ≥2 cm but not more than 4 cm in greatest dimension >5 mm and ≤10 mm
• Stage III: Tumor ≥4 cm DOI >10 mm 
• Stage IVA: Tumor invades skin, mandible, ear canal, facial nerve, and/or floor of the mouth.
• Stage IVB: Tumor invades skull base and/or pterygoid plates and/or encases carotid artery

The treatment approach for head and neck cancer depends on the location and preferences of the patient; the goal here is to stop spreading and decrease long-term morbidity. Using robotic surgery, we can visualize the base of tumors.

A large number of patients with head and neck cancer involving multiple lymph nodes will still require chemotherapy after surgery. Our team of expert doctors is known for chemotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment.

Tumors of the salivary gland may occur as late as 10-20 years after the first diagnosis. For metastatic disease, therapy is given with palliative intent, usually chemotherapy with doxorubicin. Using novel agents to identify activity in these tumors is a high priority. 

Many acute complications may include mucositis and dysphagia; long-term complications include xerostomia, loss of taste, malignancies, and neck fibrosis. 

Neuroncy helps to plan head and neck cancer surgery in Kolkata, book head and neck cancer specialists in Kolkata, and avail best cancer treatment.