Head and neck cancer is a form of cancer that occurs either in the area of head or neck or both and expand later all over the body. The evaluation and the progress of the treatment are jointly decided by specialists from various medical branches.
The head and neck oncologist in Siliguri relies on a multidisciplinary approach to treat cancer. Every patient is provided with unique care. Here are the top five treatment options for curing and managing the head and neck cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most popular therapy treatment which uses drugs to prevent the cancer cells from growing, dividing, or multiplying such cells.
Usually, chemotherapy consists of a prescribed number of cycles over some time. The common side effects are fatigue, hair loss, vomiting, nausea, and risk of infection.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment where your body's defense mechanism tries to combat cancer cells. Immunotherapy proceeds by boosting the body's immunity system.
Also known as biological therapy, doctors will prescribe some drugs or substances to improve the immune system. Some side effects of immunotherapy include diarrhea, flu, and weight gain.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is another kind of medicated treatment option. It tries to selectively target cancer-specific genes and tissues and takes action on damaging healthy cells. Doctors run a series of tests to find the most effective target therapy treatment.
Particularly for head and neck cancer a tumor protein known as EGFR (epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is targeted with inhibitors. Tumor-agnostic therapies are also considered for targeted cancer therapy treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy also known as radiotherapy uses high-energy beams or X-rays to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy consists of multiple numbers of treatment sessions set over some time. Depending on the severity, radiation therapy either tries to completely cure the disease or lessen the cancerous symptoms.
Often radiotherapy is combined with medication therapies like chemotherapy or surgeries to effectively address the health concerns. Some side effects of radiotherapy include bone or joint pain, difficulty in swallowing, dry mouth, and also the risk of damaged lymph nodes.
Surgery
When the spread of cancerous cells in your head and neck region is in the early stages, oncologists consider the surgical option. Doctors try to remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissues by performing some procedures.
The head and neck cancer treatment clinic uses advanced laser technology, reconstructive surgeries, and other types of operations to cure cancer.
There are immediate as well as some long-term side effects of surgical procedures. These are hearing loss, difficulty in swallowing, stiffness near your throat, etc. The head and neck oncologist in Siliguri tries their best to cure if possible or else manage the disease from further spreading.
The opinions of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists along with second opinions from therapists, psychiatrists, nutritional, and surgeons are sincerely considered before initiating the treatment plan.
