Head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers

head and neck cancers are those that grow in and around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth.

• Larynx cancers
  [voicebox] helps us speak, swallow, and breathe.
• Oral cavity cancers
  This includes the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth.
• Salivary glands cancers
• Pharynx cancers
• Nasal cavity cancers

Head and Neck
Cancer Risks

tobacco (both cigarettes and chewing tobacco) alcohol especially
when used together. industrial toxins (e.g., wood dust, paint fumes), dietary factors, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asbestos exposure
and radiation. Certain ethnic groups (particularly Chinese) are
more vulnerable, as are those from Southeast Asia who chew
betel nut, and South Americans who drink mate, a beverage
similar to tea.

Cancer Symptoms

a lump [ swelling/mass ] or sore [ ulcer ] that doesn’t heal, persistent
sore throat, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness [ change in voice ] . Patients may also experience bleeding from the mouth, swelling
of the jaw, frequent congestion, sinus infections that don’t respond
to treatment, headaches, earaches, facial numbness or paralysis,
enlarged lymph nodes and an unexplained loss of weight.

Diagnosis

Biopsy
CTscan / sonography
MRI

Cancer Treatments

surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of the above.