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What Are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers are not just one disease. They include several types of cancer that begin in different parts of your head or neck. These cancers can form in your mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nose or the glands that make saliva.
These cancers usually begin in the surface layer of cells that line your mouth, throat and nose. These are called squamous cells. That is why many of these cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas. But not all head and neck cancers start this way. Some can begin in other kinds of cells too, though they are less common.
Doctors use the term “head and neck cancer” to group these cancers because they often have similar risk factors, symptoms and treatments.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
The signs of head and neck cancers depend on where the cancer begins. But here are some common symptoms you should never ignore:
In the Mouth and Throat:
- A lump in your neck or throat that you can feel through your skin
- A sore in your mouth that does not heal
- Bleeding from your mouth or throat (like coughing up blood)
- A raspy or hoarse voice
- Pain when swallowing
- Loose teeth that fall out without reason
In the Nose and Sinuses:
- Nosebleeds that do not have a clear cause
- A stuffed or blocked nose that will not clear
Other Possible Symptoms:
- Pain in the ear
- A sore or patch on your face, lips or neck that does not go away
- Losing weight without trying
*If you notice any of these problems, especially if they last more than two weeks, see a healthcare professional. These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should still be checked out.
What Causes Head and Neck Cancers?
Doctors do not always know what causes cancer. But in general, head and neck cancers begin when healthy cells in your body get damaged and start growing in ways they should not. Normally, your cells know when to grow and when to stop. When that process gets out of control, a tumor can form.
If the tumor grows big enough, it can press on or damage nearby body parts. Cancer cells can also travel to other parts of your body. That is called metastasis.
Different parts of the head and neck have different risk factors. But many of them have one thing in common: damage to the DNA of your cells over time.
What Can Raise Your Risk?
Certain habits, health problems or exposures can make it more likely for someone to develop a head or neck cancer. Here are the most common risk factors:
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or using chewing tobacco or snuff
- Heavy alcohol use: Especially when combined with tobacco use
- HPV infection: A virus passed through sexual contact that can damage the throat and lead to cancer
- Breathing harmful chemicals: Such as fumes or dust from certain jobs or environments
- Too much sun: Ultraviolet rays can damage the skin on your face, lips and ears
*Each of these risks can increase your chances of developing a cancer somewhere in the head or neck area.
Can You Prevent It?
While no cancer is 100% preventable, you can take steps to lower your chances:
- Do not Use Tobacco
If you smoke or chew tobacco, it is never too late to quit. Your body starts healing soon after you stop.
- Limit Alcohol
If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than one drink a day for women, and two for men.
- Ask About the HPV Vaccine
HPV can be prevented with a vaccine. Ask your doctor if it is right for you or your children.
- Protect Your Skin
Use sunscreen on your face and neck. Wear hats that shade your ears, nose and lips when you are outside.
How Is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing these cancers often starts with a physical exam. A doctor will look for any sores, lumps, or unusual changes in your mouth, throat or neck.
Imaging Test
Pictures of the inside of your body can help doctors see where the cancer is and how big it is. These may include:
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- PET scans
Biopsy
A biopsy is when a doctor removes a small sample of tissue. This tissue is then looked at under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells. Depending on the location of the possible cancer, a doctor might:
- Use a needle to remove cells from a lump
- Take a small piece of tissue from the throat, mouth or nose with special tools
Special Testing
The lab might also test the biopsy sample to check for HPV or other signs that help doctors choose the best treatment.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Your treatment plan depends on where the cancer is, how big it is, whether it has spread and your overall health. You might need one or more types of treatment. Here are the most common options:
- Surgery
Surgeons try to remove all of the cancer along with some healthy tissue around it. This helps make sure no cancer cells are left behind.
Some surgeries can affect your ability to speak, chew or swallow. If that happens, your care team may include a speech therapist or a surgeon who specializes in rebuilding body parts (called a reconstructive surgeon).
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses powerful beams of energy to kill cancer cells. This treatment might be used:
- After surgery to destroy any leftover cancer
- On its own if surgery is not possible
- Alongside chemotherapy to make the treatment stronger
- Chemotherapy
This treatment uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells throughout your body. It is often given through an IV. Chemotherapy may be used:
- With radiation for better results
- Before surgery to shrink the tumor
- After surgery to kill remaining cancer
- To control cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
- Targeted Therapy
Some drugs work by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells grow. These drugs only work if your cancer has specific markers. Doctors will test your cancer to see if these drugs could help you.
- Immunotherapy
Your body’s immune system is built to fight disease. But cancer cells can hide from it. Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This treatment is used when cancer has spread or when other treatments stop working.
Life After Treatment
Recovering from head and neck cancer treatment can take time. Depending on your treatment, you may need help with:
- Eating and swallowing
- Speaking clearly
- Physical therapy for your jaw, neck or shoulders
- Emotional support for changes in appearance or lifestyle
*Your healthcare team will work with you to build a plan for healing and follow-up care.
Get Expert Care for Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms If you think you may have a lump, sore throat, mouth sore or other signs of head and neck cancer, I am here to help. As a hematologist and oncologist, Dr. Singh specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancer.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Singh: Call: 601-518-7054
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.