The term “head and neck cancer” refers to a wide range of cancers that begin in the head and neck region, including the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the squamous cells lining the mucous membranes of the head and neck.
At ILS Hospitals, treatment for head and neck cancer is personalized, combining surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Our expert oncologists and surgeons utilise advanced diagnostic tools, including biopsy, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans, to accurately diagnose and stage head and neck cancers. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, we develop tailored treatment plans designed to improve survival rates, preserve function, and enhance quality of life. We provide compassionate, multidisciplinary care throughout the treatment process for patients with head and neck cancer.
Symptoms
Head and neck cancer symptoms are often minimal. They can mimic less serious conditions, such as a cold or sore throat. Persistent sore throat is the most common sign of head and neck cancer. Depending on the type of head and neck cancer, one may have :
- A persistent sore throat
- Persistent ear aches or ear infection symptoms
- Frequent headaches
- Pain in the face or neck that won’t go away
- Pain in upper teeth
- Pain during chewing or swallowing
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Trouble breathing or speaking
The following symptoms may also be noticed :
- A lump in the throat, mouth, or neck.
- A mouth or tongue sore that doesn’t heal.
- Frequent nosebleeds, bloody saliva, or phlegm.
- A white or red patch on your gums, tongue, or inside the mouth.
- Swelling in the jaw, neck, or side of the face (that may cause your dentures to fit poorly).
If you notice any of these symptoms, check with our team immediately. They may be signs of something less serious, but you’ll need a thorough exam to be sure.
Causes
Head and neck cancer develops when a normal cell becomes malignant and begins to reproduce itself. The duplicates form a tumor, which can penetrate tissue and spread throughout the body. Cancer that has spread is known as metastatic cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam. Our clinician will check your mouth, nasal cavities, throat, and neck. They may feel your neck, lips, gums, and cheeks for lumps. Based on your provider’s findings, you’ll likely need tests, which may include:
- An endoscopy: We use a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of your nasal cavity, throat, or voice box.
- Imaging tests: X-rays of your head and neck, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans show tumors inside the body.
- Lab tests: The clinician may do an HPV test to check for the HPV virus as a cause of cancer if they see something concerning.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is the only way to confirm that a tumor is cancerous. We remove tissue from the tumor, and our pathologist tests it for cancer cells.
Prevention
You can take certain steps to help prevent most head and neck cancers. To protect yourself:
- Quit tobacco
- Cut back on drinking
- Get the HPV vaccine
- Use sun protection
