Head & Neck Cancer

What is head & neck cancer?

  • Cancer is a group of disease, where there is abnormal cell growth and these cells are capable of invading surrounding tissue and spread to other sites.
  • Not all tumors are cancerous. Some tumors are benign and they do not spread.
  • Cancers arising in mouth, throat, neck, nose & sinuses, thyroid gland and parotid gland are included in head & neck cancer.

Who are at risk of developing head & neck cancer?

  • Chronic smokers
  • Alcoholics
  • Tobacco chewer

What are pre-cancerous lesion?

These lesions develop following exposure to cancer causing agent, and progress over a period of time to form cancer. These lesions must be followed up strictly on regular basis.

White Patch

Leukoplakia

White Patch

Red Patch

Erythroplakia

Red Patch

What are symptoms of Head & Neck cancer?

  • Ulcer over lip, gum, buccal mucosa, tongue, palate that does not heal for 3weeks or more
  • Bleeding from ulcer
  • Difficulty in swallowing food
  • Change in voice.
  • Neck swelling

Is biopsy necessary for diagnosis?

  • Biopsy is required for confirmation of clinical diagnosis. It is done before starting of any treatment. Biopsy does not aggravate the spread of disease, as contrary to common belief.
  • In cancers of thyroid gland and parotid gland fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is done for diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for head & neck cancer?

  • Treatment is planned after clinical staging of disease, which includes complete clinical examination, biopsy and CT/MRI Scan.
  • Early stage diseases are treated with single modality (Surgery/ Radiation therapy), while advanced stage disease would require multi-modality treatment (Surgery & Radiation / chemo-radiation therapy).

Is regular follow up necessary?

  • Regular follow up is essential to detect any recurrence of disease in future. Your doctor would guide you about the follow up schedule.

Would I be able to go to my routine work after treatment?

  • Once your treatment is complete, consult the treating doctor for guiding you. Once you recover following treatment, you may be able to resume routine work.

What precautions should I take?

  • Avoid tobacco products, smoking and alcohol.
  • Take healthy diet and more fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Regular physical exercises
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