Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers account for 3- 10 % of cancers worldwide but in the Indian Subcontinent it accounts for upto 45 % of cancers. Worldwide the occurence of these cancers is increasing.Awareness of the signs and symptoms goes a long way in early detection and cure.
What all cancers are are the main head and neck cancers?

1. Voice box[ larynx]


2. Nose ,sinuses, nasopharynx[ at back of nose]


3. Mouth and throat - [ lips ,lining of mouth,tongue,pharynx]


4. Thyroid


5. Salivary glands

Who is affected?

• Sex: both males and females are affected though in general it is more in males


• Age: more in older age groups

What are the risk factors ?

1. smoking tobacco is the number 1 risk factor for head and ncek cancers


2. alcohol


3. tobacco and betel nut chewing- gutka,pan


4. genetic contribution in some


5. viral infections [epstein barr virus for carcinoma nasopharynx,HPV for certain pharyngeal cancers]


6. radiation


7. occupational risk- exposure to some agents increases cancer risk

• asbestos industry


• wood workers,textile industry


• mustard gas,plastics


• nickel,paint,cement ,pesticides

What are the warning signs and symptoms ?

1. lump/swelling in neck


2. white discoloration in mouth


3. red discoloration in mouth


4. bleeding from nose or mouth


5. difficulty swallowing-cancer throat


6. pain on swallowing- cancer throat


7. change in voice or hoarseness- for cancer larynx[ voice box]


8. alteration in speaking - if affecting tongue and throat


9. ulcer in mouth, lips or tongue-they are painless at first and all the more sinister


10. swelling in mouth lips or tongue


11. persistent ear pain


12. gum swelling

What are the preventive strategies?

• Stop smoking


• Consume alcohol only in moderation or best not at all


• Take timely treatment for warning signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers stated above


• Do not use pan or gutka


• Self examination of mouth and neck on a regular basis