Cancers occurring in the head and neck area are most common to occur in men above 40 years. The top head & neck oncologist in Siliguri provides effective treatment for these types of cancer after proper diagnosis. Head and neck cancer generally occurs from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
The most common type of head and neck cancer is that of the oral cavity. It can also cause some effects on the sinuses, salivary glands, tonsils, nasal cavity, larynx, and throat. The cancer of lymph nodes and the upper region of the neck and ear also falls under this category.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
The symptoms associated with head and neck cancer often seem similar to those of throat infections or the common cold. Thus, you can find it difficult to differentiate the malaise. Some of the most common symptoms that you must look out for are:
- A persistent sore in the gum or mouth
- Red or white patches occurring in the mouth area
- Hoarseness of the voice
- Swelling in the neck, jaw, or side of the face
- Persistent sinus infection
- Stubborn pain in the neck
- Severe toothache
- Frequent headaches
- Bleeding in saliva or from the nose
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent earaches
- Difficulty in speaking or breathing
If you notice some of the above-mentioned symptoms, then it is recommended to make an appointment by typing “cancer specialist near me” to get an early diagnosis, as it is very vital to get successful results in the future.
Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer
Depending on various factors such as age, signs and symptoms, general health condition, and the type of cancer suspected, the diagnostic tests can also differ. Some of the most common types of diagnostic tests are:
- Endoscopy
- Physical examination
- Biopsy
- CT Scan
- MRI scan
- PET-CT scan
- Ultrasound
- Rotating radiograph
- Biomarker testing
- X-ray
- Bone scan
Treatment From A Cancer Doctor in Siliguri
The treatment of head and neck cancer depends mainly on the location, spread, and stage of the cancer. The cancer is mostly curable if it gets diagnosed in the initial stage. At the later stage, the cancer gets spread to the nearby lymph nodes and increases in size; however, there is a fair chance of a cure for such cancers as well.
However, in those cases where the cancer gets spread to nearby body parts, it becomes incurable. The 3 main types of cancer treatment are:
- Surgery: In this process, the cancerous tissues as well as some healthy tissues and nearby lymph nodes are removed if suspicion arises for metastasis. Sometimes the patients might require speech therapy and reconstructive surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: In this process, high-energy rays are used to kill the cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: Different types of anti-cancer drugs are given to the cancer patient in this process.
There are other types of cancer treatment as well, such as
- Targeted therapy: In this method, specific tissue, proteins, or genes of the cancer are targeted to block the spread and growth of the cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: This method is used to boost the body’s immunity to fight against cancer with the help of materials produced in the lab or the body for restoring the function of the immune system.
Risk Factors
Two main risk factors that can lead to head and neck cancer are:
Tobacco: It is one of the main causes of head and neck cancer. Tobacco intakes in any form, such as smoking pipes, cigars, cigarettes, or chewing tobacco, are equally dangerous. Research shows that almost 70–80% of the mouth and its surrounding area are caused by tobacco use.
Alcohol: The risk of cancer in the pharynx, larynx, and mouth also increases through the regular consumption of alcohol.
Other Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer
Some of the other risk factors related to head and neck cancer are:
- HPV
- Exposure to the sun
- Age
- Gender
- Poor oral hygiene
- Radiation
- Poor nutrition
- Previous history
- Weak immune system
Head and neck cancer is the second most common type of cancer to occur. If you start noticing some common symptoms, it is recommended to get a consultation from a head and neck oncologist in Siliguri. An early diagnosis raises the opportunity for a successful treatment opportunity and cure. As it is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and requires extensive care, you must not show negligence towards its symptoms.
