Cancer is a term that refers to a condition where the cells grow rapidly and lead to a formation of lump or mass. Depending on the location of the lump formation or tumor growth the name is derived.
What is meant by head and neck cancers?
When the cells present in the head and neck region multiply without limits. A lump may be formed in the region.
What are the major types of head and neck cancers?
There are majorly three types of head and neck cancers that primarily affect the human body.
Nasal and paranasal sinus cavity cancers:
The area right behind the nose through which air travels on its journey to the throat is known as nasal cavity. The air-filled regions that surround the nasal cavity are referred to as paranasal sinus.
Oropharyngeal and oral cancer:
The tongue and mouth make up the oral cavity. The oropharynx is the area of the throat between the tonsils and the tip of the voice box.
Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer:
The voice box is the common name for larynx. This neck-based tube-shaped organ is crucial for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. IThe windpipe is located at the very top of the trachea. The hypopharynx is sometimes known as the gullet. The larynx is covered by the lower portion of the throat.
What are the common symptoms that indicate head and neck cancers?
Depending on the area and spread of the head and neck cancer the symptoms may show. The common symptoms include:
- Changes in the voice
- Feeling of a lump in neck, throat, or nose
- Feeling of growth in the mouth
- Long time earache
- Experiencing pain or disturbance while swallowing food
- A pain in throat that doesn’t seems to away
If you are experiencing any of these following you can reach out to a cancer hospital in Coimbatore to get accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the various risk factors of head and neck cancers?
Head and neck cancers in most cases can be prevented to a certain extent. But by following certain lifestyle changes it can reduce the risk of head and neck cancers, major tips can include:
Quit tobacco products:
Exposure to various tobacco products increases the risk of head and neck cancers significantly. Compared to non-smokers, people who have the habit of smoking have an increased risk of acquiring any sort of head and neck cancer. A much greater danger exists for those who have ever used smokeless tobacco products of any kind (such as snuff or chewing tobacco).
Alcohol usage:
Moderate to moderate alcohol intake is a significant risk factor for the possibility of head and neck cancer, particularly malignancies of the mouth, throat, and voice box. When tobacco use is paired with alcohol use, the chance of the onset of head and neck cancer rises by 15-18 times that of nonsmokers. Seek immediate treatment for cancer if you are dealing with head and neck cancer.
Stay away from HPV infection:
In a much younger generation, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas—cancers of the back of the tongue and throat—are on the rise. A growing number of patients are believed to have contracted the illness after being exposed to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These patients include young men and women who don’t smoke or drink, which are the typical risk factors. In fact, during the 1980s, the number of head and neck cancer cases linked to HPV has grown by 225%.
Poor dental and oral hygiene:
Not having a proper routine or not maintaining a healthy routine can increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
A weak immune system:
A person’s risk of head and neck cancer can increase if their immune system is compromised.
Occupational and environmental inhalants:
A person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer may be increased by breathing in asbestos, paint fumes, wood dust, and certain chemicals.
Exposure to ultraviolet light:
People who spend time in the sun are more likely to develop skin cancer and lip cancer. Use of tanning beds can potentially raise the chance of developing lip cancer.
Improper fitting dentures:
People who have the habit of chewing harmful substances like tobacco need to have properly fitting dentures as improper fitted ones can lead to particles stuck and this may lead to cancers.
Do head and neck cancers spread rapidly?
The head and neck cancers may not show any kind of signs until they have progressed to a certain level. But the cancers first spread to the nearby lymph nodes and for the cancer to spread to a larger extent it may take about ten months to three years. And through the spread it is referred to as head and neck cancer stages and it can help in determining the treatment for cancer.
Are head and neck cancer curable?
Majority types of head and neck cancers are considered highly curable. Generally the head and neck cancers can be detected early and they can be treated efficiently with various treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even a head and neck cancer surgery if required.
Do head and neck cancers come back?
After seeking head and neck cancer treatment it is important to follow a healthy eating habits and also avoid habits like smoking or drinking can keep the cancers from returning. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice to avoid recurrence of the cancers.
Important Takeaway:
Head and neck cancers are the majority of the time the result of unhealthy lifestyle habits at times it can also be passed on hereditarily. By following healthy habits and staying away from smoking, alcohol, and taking proper precautions if you are working in an unsafe environment you highly reduce the risk of head and neck cancers. If you are diagnosed, reach out to head and neck cancer treatment in Coimbatore to get prompt treatment.
