Are you aware of Head and Neck Cancer?

Do you have a sore throat that hasn't gone away for days? Or is there a small sore in the corner of your mouth that won't heal and is causing you discomfort? Maybe you feel something like a small lump when you touch your neck. We usually forget about these things, thinking they're just a cold or a minor infection. But sometimes these little signs can be the first sign of something serious that we need to pay attention to. So, today we're going to talk about a topic that not many people talk about, but that we all need to be aware of - head and neck cancer.

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

Simply put, "head and neck cancer" is not a single type of cancer. It is a general term for several types of cancer that start in different parts of your head and neck. Most of these start in the flat cells that line the moist tissues inside your mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box, and nose. In medical terms, these are called squamous cells. That's why most of these cancers are called Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

If you are diagnosed with this type of cancer, your oncologist will work with you to decide what treatment options are best for you. The main goal here is to protect as much of the body as possible that helps us talk, eat, and express emotions while fighting the cancer. The sooner this disease is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a full recovery.

What are the main places where these cancers can occur?

There are several main types of head and neck cancer. These are classified according to where they occur. Let's take a look at what they are.

What are the symptoms of these cancers?

The symptoms of these cancers are very common in the early stages. They are similar to those of a cold or a throat infection. That's why many people ignore them. But remember, a sore throat that lasts more than two to three weeks is the most common and main symptom of these cancers.

Let's see what symptoms you may experience depending on this type of cancer.

Why do these cancers develop? What are the risk factors?

Cancer begins when a normal cell in our body changes for some reason and begins to divide uncontrollably. This accumulation of cells forms a tumor. This tumor can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Researchers have identified several key risk factors that influence these cell changes.

• Tobacco use: This is the biggest enemy. Tobacco use is responsible for 70% to 80% of head and neck cancers worldwide. This includes everything from smoking cigarettes and cigars to chewing tobacco and using snuff. Even if you don't smoke, being around someone who smokes (secondhand smoke) increases your risk.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol use is also a major risk factor. The risk is even greater if you use alcohol with tobacco.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): This is a sexually transmitted virus. In developed countries, HPV infection is now the leading cause of these cancers, surpassing tobacco use.
• Chewing betel nut: This is a very relevant issue for our country and South Asian countries. The main cause of oral cancer in Sri Lanka is chewing betel nut along with betel leaves. This habit greatly increases the risk of oral cancer.

Other risk factors:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Infection with this virus can cause nasopharyngeal cancer or cancer of the salivary glands.
• Weakened immune system: When the body's immune system is weakened, it is less able to fight cancer cells. The immune system can be weakened due to factors such as HIV infection and undergoing surgery such as an organ transplant.
• Genetic causes: Some genetic conditions, for example, Fanconi anemia, may increase the risk of developing this cancer.
• Exposure to carcinogenic substances: Long-term exposure to asbestos, pesticides, wood dust, paint fumes, etc.
• Exposure to radiation: If you have previously received radiation therapy to the head or neck area.
• Salted and preserved foods: Frequent consumption of salted meat and fish.
• Neglecting oral health: Not keeping your teeth and gums clean increases the risk of oral cancer.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose this disease?

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination. The doctor will carefully examine your mouth, nose, throat, and neck. He or she will also feel for lumps or bumps on your neck, lips, and gums.

After that, you may be referred for tests such as these, as needed:

• Endoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is used to examine the inside of your nasal cavity, throat, or voice box.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can detect tumors inside the body.
• Lab tests: If you see anything suspicious, an HPV test can be done to confirm whether the cancer is caused by the HPV virus.
• Biopsy: This is the only way to be 100% sure whether a lump is cancerous or not. In this, a small piece of tissue is taken from the lump and tested for cancer cells.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment options depend on the type of cancer, how far it has spread (stage), and your overall health. The main treatments are:

• Surgery: Whenever possible, surgeons try to completely remove the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. If there is a suspicion that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed.
• Radiation Therapy: This involves using high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. This treatment can be given alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is especially used in advanced cases where the cancer has spread.

If the cancer is advanced or comes back after treatment, the doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as:

• Targeted Therapy: These drugs act on specific targets in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: These drugs help our own immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

How can you protect yourself from these cancers?

There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from many of these cancers.

• Stop using tobacco completely: Quit all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol: Limiting alcohol can reduce the risk of cancer.
• Get the HPV vaccine: The vaccine called Gardasil 9® protects against several strains of the HPV virus.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Using sunscreen and wearing clothing that covers your skin when you are in the sun can help protect you from skin cancer on the head, neck, and face.
• Maintain good oral health: Brush your teeth daily and keep your gums healthy.

Head and Neck Cancer, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatment, HPV, Smoking, Eating Betel Nuts, Alcohol