What all cancers are are the main head and neck cancers?
- Voice box[ larynx]
- Nose ,sinuses, nasopharynx[ at back of nose]
- Mouth and throat - [ lips ,lining of mouth,tongue,pharynx]
- Thyroid
- 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 ?
- smoking tobacco is the number 1 risk factor for head and ncek cancers
- alcohol
- tobacco and betel nut chewing- gutka,pan
- genetic contribution in some
- viral infections [epstein barr virus for carcinoma nasopharynx,HPV for certain pharyngeal cancers]
- radiation
- 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 ?
- lump/swelling in neck
- white discoloration in mouth
- red discoloration in mouth
- bleeding from nose or mouth
- difficulty swallowing-cancer throat
- pain on swallowing- cancer throat
- change in voice or hoarseness- for cancer larynx[ voice box]
- alteration in speaking - if affecting tongue and throat
- ulcer in mouth, lips or tongue-they are painless at first and all the more sinister
- swelling in mouth lips or tongue
- persistent ear pain
- 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
