What is head and neck cancer?

Head and Neck cancer is the name for cancers that develop in the mouth, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, and throat and voice box (larynx). Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell cancers. They begin in the moist tissues that line the head and neck. The cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows.

There are other cancers that develop in the head and neck, such as brain cancer, eye cancer, and esophageal cancer. But they are usually not considered to be head and neck cancers, because those types of cancer and their treatments are different.

Anyone can get head and neck cancer, but you are more likely to develop it if you:

• Use tobacco or drink lots of alcohol. Your risk of developing head and neck cancer is even higher if you do both.

• Are over age 50.

• Have a history of head or neck cancer.

• Have HPV (for cancers in the tonsils and base of the tongue).

• Are exposed to wood dusts or certain other toxic substances at work (for upper throat, nose, and sinus cancers).

• Have had radiation exposure to the head and neck (for salivary gland cancer).

The symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:

• A lump in the neck

• A sore in the mouth or the throat that does not heal and may be painful

• A sore throat that does not go away

• Trouble swallowing

• A change or hoarseness in the voice

• A white and/or red patch on the gums, tongue, or cheeks

• Unusual or persistent bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth

• Swelling that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

Other possible symptoms can depend on the specific type of head and neck cancer.

Which exams and tests used to diagnose head and neck cancer can depend on the specific type of cancer. Possible exams and tests may include:

• Clinical examination of the area that might have cancer.

• Blood tests.

• An endoscopy.

• A biopsy or other procedure to collect cells from the area that might have cancer. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.

• CT/MRI scans, PET scan, Chest X-ray, USG.

The treatment for head and neck cancer will depend on the specific type of cancer, the stage (how advanced the cancer is), your overall health, and other factors. The treatment options might include:

• Surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Cancer immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that mainly attack specific cancer cells and cause less harm to normal cells

In some cases, you may need a combination of treatments. Side effects of mouth cancer and its treatment can include problems with swallowing and speech. Some people experience limited range of motion in the jaw. Others develop problems with their teeth. Rehabilitation, speech and swallowing therapy and dental oncology are, therefore, a vital part of a head and neck cancer patient's journey.

There are steps you can take to help prevent head and neck cancer:

• Not smoking

• Limiting alcohol use or not drinking at all

• Getting regular dental exams

• Talking to your provider about HPV vaccination