Head and neck cancers, becomes more common with advance age, but also common in young age. It is particularly frequent in adults over the age of 40. It is more likely to occur in adults over the age of 50, but it can affect younger people as early as their 30s also.
In India, head and neck cancer accounts for around 30% of all cancer cases, making it a serious public health problem. These forms of cancer frequently have a better prognosis since they are identified at an early stage with multiple therapeutic choices in which surgery is the most common therapeutic choice. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a frequent disease in India that develops from squamous cells in the mucosal epithelium of the head and neck, including tumors of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx.
By 2040, head and neck cancer cases are expected to be 2.1 million additional cancer cases in India, up 57.5% from 2020. This emphasizes the critical need for awareness, prevention, and early detection initiatives to address this rising public health threat.
Tobacco and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, and HPV infection all increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer. In India, tobacco smoking is a major reason for head and neck cancer, accounting for an estimated 80% of cases. Chewing tobacco, smoking, and using betel quid (pan) are prevalent activities in India, and they all raise the chance of getting head and neck cancer.
Head and neck cancer symptoms can vary depending on the area and stage of the cancer.
Mouth and throat:
- A sore throat that won't heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the mouth or tongue
- Loose teeth or dentures that don't fit well
- Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
Voice box (Larynx):
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Pain when swallowing
- Earache
- Difficulty breathing
Sinuses and Nasal Cavity:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Stuffiness or congestion in the nose that won't go away
- Facial pain or numbness
- Trouble smelling
Neck:
- Lump in the neck
In India, the most common way to diagnose head and neck cancer is by a physical examination, followed by imaging tests including CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. A biopsy may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and define the cancer's kind and stage.
Head and neck cancer treatment is often a multi-faceted approach, combining different therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to target the cancer and maximize patient well-being. Head and neck cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
1. Surgery:
- The aim of surgery is to physically remove the cancerous tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This ensures complete removal and reduces the chances of leftover cancer cells causing regrowth.
- Depending on the tumor's location and size, surgery can be minimally invasive or more involved. Techniques like laser surgery or robotic surgery may be used for better precision and to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
- In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to restore function and appearance after tumor removal. This could involve grafting skin or using prosthetics.
2. Radiation Therapy:
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- It can be delivered from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or from radioactive implants placed near the tumor (internal radiation therapy).
- Radiation therapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It can also be used alone for early-stage cancers or to manage head and neck cancer symptoms.
3. Chemotherapy:
- Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- It's typically given intravenously (through a vein) or as pills.
- Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Chemotherapy can have side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss, but these are usually temporary.
4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy:
- These are newer and more specialized treatment approaches for head and neck cancers.
- Targeted therapy drugs focus on specific weaknesses in cancer cells, aiming to disrupt their growth and survival.
- Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- These therapies may be used alone or combined with traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Combining Treatments:
The cancer treatment plan for head and neck cancer is individualized based on factors like the type and stage of cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and their individual needs and preferences.
- Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery alone or a combination of surgery and radiation therapy.
- Advanced-stage cancers often require a combination of all three main therapies (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy).
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the treatment of head and neck cancer, such as the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy approaches.
At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, our team of oncologists and radiation therapists has years of experience in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers, giving us a deep understanding of the complexities involved. This allows us to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient to improve outcomes and quality of life.
- Expert Care: Our team comprises highly qualified specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: We believe in a collaborative approach, ensuring each patient receives the best possible care tailored to their individual needs.
- Advanced Technology: We are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatment technologies for precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a complete spectrum of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Focus on Quality of Life: We understand the impact of head and neck cancer on daily life. Our team works to minimize treatment side effects and ensure optimal post-treatment function.
To learn more about head and neck cancer and treatment, book an appointment with Sir Ganga Ram.
- https://www.dovepress.com/forecasting-head-and-neck-cancer-trends-in-gcc-countries-implications--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-RMHP#:~:text=Head%20and%20neck%20cancers%20(HNCs,and%20660%2C000%20new%20cases%20annually.&text=HNCs%20include%20cancers%20in%20the,%2C%20nose%2C%20and%20salivary%20glands.
- https://ecancer.org/en/journal/article/1603-head-and-neck-cancer-burden-in-india-an-analysis-from-published-data-of-37-population-based-cancer-registries
