Head And Neck Cancer

According to Indian clinical consensus guidelines for management, 30-40 % of cancer cases in India are Head and Neck Cancers.

Inside the head and neck, there are various sites where cancer may start developing. These cancer sites can be classified as:

  • Oral cavity

The inside of the mouth, including ⅔ rd of the tongue, upper bony jaw, gum part behind wisdom tooth, and lining of cheeks and lips, are part of the oral cavity.

  • Pharynx

It is the tube that leads to the esophagus or food pipe. It is further divided into three parts; the upper part behind the nose, the middle part, the soft palette including the back of the mouth base of the tongue and nostrils, and the lower part of the pharynx.

  • Larynx

It is also known as the voicebox, located below the pharynx. It has epiglottis ( a small tissue preventing food from entering into the windpipe), which is usually prone to cancer.

  • Nasal cavity:  is a small hollow space inside the nose where cancer may develop.
  • Salivary Glands:

The salivary glands that produce saliva on the floor of the mouth near the jawbone.
The above are parts of the nose and mouth where cancer can start, and the cancer condition is named after the part where it takes root.
Typically, the brain, eye, esophagus, thyroid gland, skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck are not termed head or neck cancers. They are rather termed metastatic squamous neck cancer.

Causes Of Head And Neck Cancer

There has been enough evidence to show that those who consume tobacco or alcohol are at higher risk of developing neck or head cancer.
Apart from them, there are a few other risks that eventually cause head and neck cancer, such as:

  • Betel quid
  • Preserved or salted food
  • Poor oral health
  • Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
  • Radiation exposure
  • Hereditary

 

How Is It Diagnosed?

    It is diagnosed by
  • Tracking medical history
  • Oral cancers are mostly discovered by way of thorough physical examination.
  • Screening tests such as X-rays and MRI scans.

 

What are The Possible Treatments?

Dr. Amit Gandhi targets different treatments for patients according to their suitability and stage of cancer. The possible treatment enlisted are as:

We understand managing cancer treatment and some of its side effects are not easy, but our team strives continuously to provide our patients with the best treatment as a ray of hope. We advise our patients to stay positive through the journey.

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