Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer can remain silent for some time.

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What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is the growth of malignant cells in any tissue that is part of the organs and mucous membranes located in this area of the body.

In the same way, since in this area there are a large number of complex structures; Different types of cancer are identified:

Nose cancer. It can be found from the opening behind the nose, to the region that joins the throat (at the back of the mouth).
Sinus cancer. It is the one that develops in one of these cavities of the face.
Cancer of the mouth or oral cavity. It occupies a point that is located in the mouth area.
Oropharyngeal cancer. It develops at the back of the throat, just toward the back of the mouth.
Nasopharyngeal cancer. It is located in the highest part of the throat, behind the nose.
Hypopharyngeal cancer. It is the one located in the lower part of the throat, behind the larynx.
Laryngeal cancer. It occupies any space in the larynx area.

On the other hand, these cancers develop more frequently in men than in women; and its relationship with tobacco smoke is practically direct.

Head and neck cancer can remain silent for some time; and even if they manifest some discomfort, it is likely that another type of pathology is presumed before thinking of a tumor.

However, when the lesions begin to cause problems or the patient detects some abnormal growth; It is important to pay attention to the signs and visit a specialist immediately.

Symptoms

In any case, the most representative symptoms of this type of cancer are the following:

Difficulty swallowing

Hoarseness or changes in the voice

Permanent sore throat

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Repetitive headaches

Feeling of blockage in the respiratory canal

Loss of appetite and fatigue

However, some of these symptoms are common with other pathologies; and in the same way, cancer can show additional symptoms very similar to common otorhinolaryngological diseases.

Diagnosis

Firstly, in addition to confirming and analysing the symptoms present, family history and other risk factors; A physical exam is performed in which the specialist will look to palpate the lymph nodes or any other signs that suggest a tumor presence.

Second, your doctor will order some of the following tests:

Panendoscopy

(Endoscopic study that is performed in the operating room to check the state of all the structures – throat, nose and mouth)

Analysis of tissue samples

(Biopsy)

CT scan

MRI

Laboratory tests

(Blood Tests)

Finally, when the presence of head and neck cancer has been definitively confirmed; staging is carried out, in this way it is possible to know precisely the degree of progression of the disease and consider the best treatment alternatives.

Treatment

As a result of the diagnostic phase, the best options to apply the treatment to the patient are evaluated; and depending on your general health conditions, it is possible to select some of the following schemes:

Surgeries

In these cases, the surgical alternative serves to remove the cancer; This is done by removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue. As a result, some patients end up dragging sequelae of these surgical procedures (partial or total loss of the tongue, an area of the jaw or the involvement of other tissues). It also happens that when the cancer is very advanced, the surgery is not curative, but will seek to relieve the pain and improve the patient's living conditions. In any case, surgery is always the main treatment option. This surgery may be done even when the cancer has not developed from the glands themselves, but has spread to affect them. In any case, the technique can be traditional (open surgery) or minimally invasive (laparoscopic), a procedure that is also applied to certain non-cancerous tumors that grow too large or cause alterations in the patient. Likewise, if during the execution of the surgery it is seen that the cancer has spread to the liver or kidney, the usual thing would be to remove that part of the organ or all of it at the time.

Chemotherapies and radiotherapies

These treatments are combined or applied separately. Undoubtedly, thanks to the application of radiation and precise medications, it is possible to help reduce and control cancer; so they are usually applied before and after surgery.

Targeted therapy

It consists of the administration of specific drugs to attack some proteins of the cancer cell that have already been identified and are sensitive to the drug, with the intention of weakening them and making them regress. It is recommended when the cancer is advanced. This therapy seeks to strengthen the immune system so that it recognizes and attacks malignant cells.

Preparing for Surgery

Undoubtedly, the medical, family and psychological support given to cancer patients produces the best results. To do this, it is very important that all the information that the person needs to know about their specific case is provided before entering the operating room.

In addition, taking into consideration the affected region; If the diet has been interrupted in any way, it is necessary to review the patient’s nutritional values that can guarantee their well-being during the postoperative period.

Finally, any newly detected abnormalities should also be reported to the doctor, so that possible complications can be prevented.

What are the side effects of treatment for cancer that appears in the neck or head?

Each side effect will depend on the type of treatment applied to the patient. With chemotherapy, symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, loss of sense of taste, low blood count are expected.

With radiotherapy, intense pain can be experienced when swallowing, loss of appetite and weight and fatigue.

With surgery, pain and a slow recovery that requires rehabilitation therapy can be expected.

In any case, it is necessary to maintain constant medical control in terms of oral hygiene and physical rehabilitation of speech.

It is also advisable to get a support group of people who have experienced similar experiences to serve as an impetus to continue recovery, that extra boost and motivation is always necessary.

How to prevent this type of cancer?

It is not yet known for sure what can prevent patients from suffering from this type of cancer, however, science has found that certain habits increase the chances of suffering from this disease.

For example, excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption are one of the main factors in patients with this disease. An increased risk is also found in those infected with HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

Therefore, quitting smoking any type of product that contains tobacco, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption and getting vaccinated against HPV before suffering from the virus and maintaining good oral hygiene are responsible actions that can prevent cancer.

It is also known that the risk of this pathology increases after the age of 45, so it is good to be aware and improve our habits and lifestyle before reaching that age in order to avoid the development of cancer.

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