Head & neck cancer is a group of cancers that are detected in the areas such as mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, and salivary glands. Cancers of the brain and eyes are usually not classified under this type of cancer.
Risk factors for head & neck cancers include:
Generally, individuals with cancer in the head and neck may see signs such as a lump or sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness in voice. Other symptoms depend on the location of the cancer – symptoms that affect the specific parts of the head and neck can include:
Area | Symptoms |
---|---|
Ears |
|
Mouth |
|
Neck |
|
Nose |
|
Skin |
|
Throat |
|
Others |
|
Please note that these symptoms are not always due to cancer, and may be caused by other underlying health issues. However, should you experience any symptoms, and they last for long periods or intensify with time, do make an appointment to be screened as soon as you can.
The stages for each type of cancer deviate. Generally, the stages for head and neck cancers are as follows:
Stages 1 and 2: The cancer is considered to be at its early stages, and a single modality of treatment is usually sufficient.
Stages 3 and 4: Classified as cancer in advanced stages, multiple treatment modalities are required.
Regular screening may help in early detection of cancer. During screening, the doctor may order one or more of the following imaging tests to determine if a patient has cancer, and the severity or stage of the cancer:
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
Cells are extracted using a needle for testing, or from lymph node if tumour is deep.
Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
Using an endoscope, a flexible and lighted tube, attached to a camera and inserted into a patient’s mouth or nose, the doctor takes pictures to further examine the abnormal cells.
Biopsy (extraction of tissue sample)
When the suspected cancerous tissue is located in a place that is difficult to reach, the doctor may suggest doing a biopsy, which involves making a small cut in the suspected area to extract samples.
Imaging Tests
These tests, which include X-Rays, MRI, CT and PET scans, can detect any abnormal mass in the head and neck regions. Some examples of tests are Head MRI, CT scan of the sinuses, CT scan of the head, Panoramic Dental X-Ray and Dental Cone Beam CT.
Bone Scan
A radioactive tracer looks at the inside of the bones – it is injected into a patient’s vein. Detected with a special camera, the tracer can show doctors if the cancer has spread to the bones.
The doctor will recommend treatment based on the type of cancer, as well as its size, location, growth rate, and patient’s general state of health. The cancer can then be treated via one or a combination of these treatments: