Head and Neck Cancer

Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), throat, lips, nose, sinuses and salivary glands. Most types of head and neck cancer begin in squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck region (for example, the mouth, nose, and throat).

Cancer of the head and neck are the most common cancers in India. Management of head and neck cancer is evolving on a regular basis. Treatment of head and neck cancer now requires a multi-disciplinary approach with a team comprising of a head and neck cancer surgeon, a reconstructive surgeon, an onco-anaesthetist, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, an onco-pathologist, a speech and swallowing therapist, a physiotherapist, a dental surgeon, an occupational therapist and a medical counsellor.

We have a specialized team that aims at giving patient disease free survival along with best possible cosmetic and functional outcomes. We aim at giving the best oncological outcomes and providing good quality of life. And, a good team can deliver excellent service with the support of advanced infrastructure.

When to worry?

  • White or red patch, non-healthy oral ulcer (more than 15 days)
  • Persistent sore throat or voice changes
  • Foul breath
  • Lump, bump or mass with/without pain
  • Persistent nasal obstructions or congestions

Risk factors

  • Tobacco : Tobacco in all forms like cigarettes, cigars or pipes, chewing tobacco and using snuff is harmful. Topical application in the form of masheri. Single largest factor of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use.
  • Alcohol : Frequent and heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing cancers in the mouth, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus.
  • Human papilloma virus, Epstein-barr virus
  • Sun-exposure
  • Other causes

Diagnosis

  • History & Clinical examination
  • Biopsy
  • Radiologic investigations- CT-scan, MRI, PET-CT scan, USG
  • Endoscopic procedures

Treatment

  • Surgery :
    The aim is to remove the diseased tissue and get healthy margins around it to be safe. The tissue removed is sent for a Pathological evaluation.
  • Radiation/ Chemotherapy :
    After the final histopathology report, a call may be taken for further treatment like Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy, which usually must begin 4-6 weeks after surgery.
  • Immunotherapy :
    Most promising cancer therapy available today for people with advanced head and neck cancer. Immunotherapy uses the patient's immune system to fight off cancer.