Can head and neck cancer be cured?

Numerous malignancies of the head and neck are curable, especially if detected early. Although eradicating the cancer is the major objective of treatment, preserving the function of the surrounding nerves, organs, and tissues is equally crucial.

Where does head and neck cancer spread to?

It is typical for head and neck cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The lymph nodes that are most frequently affected depend on the origin of the main tumour. The majority of lymph nodes are situated along major blood veins beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle on both sides of the neck.

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Head and Neck Cancer
Treatment in Coimbatore

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types

What are the types of head and neck cancer?

There are five primary forms of head and neck cancer, each of which is called after the portion of the body in which it develops. They can include:

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

The larynx is a tube-shaped neck organ that is essential for breathing, speaking, etc. The hypopharynx is referred to as the gullet. The portion of the throat encompasses the larynx.

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer

The nasal cavity is the space immediately behind the nose via which air travels to the throat. The air-filled regions surrounding the nasal cavity are the paranasal sinuses.

Nasopharyngeal cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer originates in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. It causes signs like nasal congestion, hearing loss, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer

The oral cavity consists of the mouth and tongue. From the tonsils to the tip of the voice box, is the oropharynx that encompasses the central portion of the throat.

Salivary gland cancer

The salivary gland is responsible for saliva production. Saliva is the fluid that is secreted into the mouth to keep it moist; it contains enzymes that initiate the digestion of food.

diagnostic procedures

What are the diagnostic options and early screening for head and neck cancer?

A head and neck surgeon in Coimbatore will suggest you take head and neck surgery if you test positive after undergoing the below-mentioned diagnostic tests.

Physical examination:

Physical examination is the primary step in diagnosing head and neck cancer, where a healthcare provider looks for lumps, swelling, or abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and neck. Further, diagnostic options include imaging tests such as CT, MRI, and PET scans.

Endoscopy:

If you are suffering problems in your voice box, throat, or nasal cavity, an endoscope may be used to conduct an examination. And this procedure causes no discomfort. Blood, urine, or other bodily fluids are sent to a lab for analysis.

Biopsy:

A pathologist examines the tissue your cancer treatment doctor has removed under a microscope. Cancer can only be accurately diagnosed in this manner. There are a variety of ways to do this procedure, including a local anesthetic and a needle.

Blood test:

Blood tests greatly assist in detecting markers associated with head and neck cancer, like elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies in nasopharyngeal cancer. Blood tests assist in monitoring cancer progression and response to treatment.

TREATMENT IN Sri Ramakrishna Hospital

What are the treatment options that are available to
Treat The Various Types of Head and Neck Cancer?

Radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy are the most common head and neck cancer treatments in Coimbatore. In some cases, a patient may be treated with all four.

Surgery

In an early-stage tumor, surgeons have the option of removing the tumor and a small amount of healthy surrounding tissue. If the cancer has migrated to the lymph nodes in the neck, they may also be removed. The patient's appearance and ability to chew, talk, and swallow may be affected by surgery on the head and neck.

Radiation therapy

High-energy X-rays or Gamma rays are used to destroy cancer cells. This is done with the use of a linear accelerator or Telecobalt machine. Various advanced techniques are available to reduce normal tissue doses. Some of the possible adverse effects of radiation therapy are the development of sores or inflammation in the treated area, swallowing or tasting difficulties, or nausea.

Chemo Radiation

If surgery is not feasible then, patients are advised to undergo chemoradiation concurrently. Radiotherapy with high precision techniques (IMRT, IGRT) will deliver high doses to required areas and lesser doses to normal tissues. This approach greatly assists in shrinking tumors, preventing recurrence, and preserving organ function. While effective it may cause some side effects.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the employment of anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells all over the body. Typically, chemotherapy will be given to treat, control, or shrink the tumor. It is typically used for advanced-stage head and neck malignancies. Consult your head and neck specialist in Coimbatore about how to address these side effects.

FAQs

These are the most commonly asked questions about Head and Neck Cancer treatment. If you have any other questions, please Get in touch

Numerous malignancies of the head and neck are curable, especially if detected early. Although eradicating cancer is the major objective of treatment, preserving the function of the surrounding nerves, organs, and tissues is equally crucial.

Head and neck cancer can be caused due to several factors like using tobacco, consumption of alcohol, exposure to chemicals, and viruses. Also, you are at high risk if you smoke and drink, then only drinking or smoking.

Head and neck cancer symptoms may include a lump in the neck or a painful sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal, a sore throat with a persistent cough, difficulties swallowing, a change in voice, or hoarseness. These symptoms may also result from other, less severe illnesses. A small non-healing ulcer may not be painful initially.

Around the world, four percent of all cancers are head and neck cancers. This year, an estimated 66,470 persons will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer (48,520 males and 17,950 women). In 2020, an estimated 562,328 persons worldwide will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

It is typical for head and neck cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The lymph nodes that are most frequently affected depend on the origin of the main tumor. The majority of lymph nodes are situated along major blood veins beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle on both sides of the neck.

The cost of treating head and neck cancer in Coimbatore can vary greatly based on a number of factors, including the stage of cancer, the precise treatment plan chosen, the healthcare practitioner or facility chosen, and the needs of the individual patient.

The most common symptoms of head and neck cancers are a lump on the jaw, neck, or back of the neck, mouth ulcer, neck pain, and struggle to move the jaw and swallow. Other symptoms include ear pain or hearing loss, and speech-related issues.

patient testimonial

What they’re saying

I was treated for head and neck cancer at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital and I must say the treatment and care I received from the staff and doctors were top-notch. From diagnosis to treatment, I did not have to go anywhere and I never faced any difficulty. The cancer department is well-equipped to treat any kind of cancer. It's been 3 months now and I am living peacefully without any pain. Thank you so much Sri Ramakrishna Hospital for your care and treatment. Read More

- Santhiya Selvakumar rating star

I reached Sri Ramakrishna Hospital as I had a lump near my neck. And I was diagnosed with neck cancer, it was a tough time and my whole family was stressed. But thankfully Sri Ramakrishna Hospital gave me hope and strength through their treatment and care. I would recommend Sri Ramakrishna Hospital for the treatment. Read More

- Swetha Balakrishna rating star

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional care my father received at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital for his head and neck cancer treatment. From diagnosis to recovery, the team of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff provides compassionate and expert care. A big thanks to their dedicated efforts, my father is now on the road to recovery. Highly recommended for anyone seeking top-quality cancer treatment. Read More

- Keerthana J rating star

Head and Neck Cancer
Treatment in Coimbatore

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