Head and Neck Cancer

What is it? How and why it happens?

Cancers of the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands are all examples of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers are increased by tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the head and neck region. Cancers of the nose, mouth, and throat begin in the cells that line all parts of the nose, mouth, and throat.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are also options for treating head and neck cancer. Larger tumours can be dangerous for cancer surgeons to operate on because they can damage other organs that are in close proximity to the cancerous organ. Larger cancers can necessitate the removal of vital organs, resulting in loss of function.

For example, if a tongue cancer grows large enough, a surgeon can be forced to remove the entire or a large portion of the tongue, destroying the patient’s ability to taste and digest food. Such cases are often referred to medical oncologists for chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is provided to patients in order for large tumours to shrink and be easier to operate on.

Chemotherapy can be used as a preventive therapy following surgery or as an initial treatment for cancers of the head and neck that have spread or are in stage IV. Radiation therapy, which is an integral part of overall management, is often provided to such patients.

If detected early, head and neck cancer is highly curable—often with a single-modality treatment (surgery or radiation).