What are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers are cancers that occur in the areas of the head and neck, such as the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands.
Mouth cancer affects the lips, the tongue, the gums, the cheek lining, the lips, the bottom of the mouth, under the tongue, and the hard palate.
The pharynx is a tube that starts behind the nose and leads to the esophagus. It comprises of the nasopharynx; the oropharynx and the hypopharynx.
The larynx is the voicebox and contains the vocal cords. It also has the epiglottis, which helps to cover the larynx during eating to prevent food from entering the air passages.
The paranasal sinuses are spaces in the bones of the head surrounding the nose. The nasal cavity is the space inside the nose.
The major salivary glands produce saliva and are in the mouth and near the jawbone.
What are the symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?
Mouth
- Bleeding
- Impaired tongue mobility
- Red or white patches in your mouth, gums and tongue
- Swelling in your jaw
Throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Persistent headaches and pain in the neck
- Ringing in your ears
- Trouble breathing or speaking
Voice Box
- Changes in your voice
- Ear pain
- Hoarseness
- Pain when swallowing
Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity
- Chronic sinus infections
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Persistent blocked sinuses
- Swelling around the eyes
Salivary Glands
- Numbness of facial muscles
- Persistent pain in your face, chin, or neck
- Swelling around the jawbone
What causes Head and Neck Cancers?
Some factors that may increase your chances of developing Head and Neck cancer include:
- Alcohol and tobacco use: This includes chewing tobacco and the inhalation of secondhand smoke. People who use both alcohol and tobacco are at a higher risk than those that only use one. Alcohol and tobacco use are two of the biggest risk factors for Head and neck cancer.
- Human papillovirus infection, especially HPV type 16: HPV infection is a risk factor for cancers involving the tonsils or the base of the tongue.
- Paan (Betel quid) use: Chewing of betel nuts is a practice commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is strongly associated with an increased risk of mouth cancers.
- Occupational exposure: Occupational exposure to wood dust, asbestos and synthetic fiber have been linked to an increased risk of nasopharyngeal and voice box cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Radiation to the head and neck, for non-cancerous conditions or other cancers, may increase your risk for salivary gland cancer.
How are Head and Neck Cancers diagnosed?
Biopsy
A biopsy is done to check the lining of the mouth, tongue and roof of the mouth for signs of cancer.
Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase which could be a sign of cancer.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the mouth, tongue, jaw and throat areas for signs of cancer.
