Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that usually occur when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, nose and throat. There are various types of head and neck cancer such as oral cancer, salivary gland cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, larynx and hypopharynx cancer, and throat cancer. The symptoms of this cancer may vary depending on its type. Some of the symptoms include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, lump in your throat, pain while chewing, frequent headaches, etc.
If you witness any of these symptoms you need to book an appointment with a head & neck oncologist in Siliguri. Treatments for these cancers may vary depending on their stage, location and overall health of patients. However, it is essential to know that each treatment option has its own benefits as well as potential side effects. Understanding the available treatment options helps you in better decision making which enhances the recovery process.
Some of the available treatment options for head and neck cancer include:
Surgery:
Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for head & neck cancers. The main aim of this procedure is to remove the tumour completely and it also removes lymph nodes in the neck. The type of operation you have may depend on the size, position, and stage of the cancer. However, before the operation, the doctor will explain the procedure like what is involved and what to expect. The doctor will also do everything possible to minimise changes to your speech, swallowing, breathing and appearance.
Along with potential benefits this surgery also has possible side effects such as pain, changes in sensation, swelling, scars, and Difficulty opening your mouth due to a stiff jaw. Your doctor may recommend some strategies to cope with the different side effects of this treatment.
Radiation Therapy:
Another treatment you can expect from the best oncologist for head & neck in Siliguri is radiation therapy. This is a cancer treatment option that involves using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. The doctor may recommend this treatment when they want to target a specific area within the head and neck region. They may combine this therapy with other treatments like surgery to prevent the cancer from coming back.
Though this method involves advanced imaging techniques which target cancer cells more precisely with less risk to healthy nearby tissue there are possible side effects as well. Some of these include oral pain, skin irritation, poor appetite, weight loss, changes in taste etc.
Targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment option that targets specific proteins in cells of head and neck cancer. This therapy uses a specific type of drug with other treatment options to treat the advanced stage of this cancer. However, some possible side effects of this medication include flu-like symptoms, skin rash, sore mouth, diarrhoea, etc.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment for head and neck cancer that uses powerful drugs to treat cancer cells. The doctor may use this medication if the cancer is more advanced, or comes back. This therapy is given as several sessions of treatment, with rest periods in between and your doctor will explain the number of cycles you need for your course of treatment. Like other treatment options, there are also possible side effects of this treatment and the doctor provides instruction on how it can be managed.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy involves using powerful drugs which help your immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. The doctor may prescribe immunotherapy drugs if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and if the cancer comes back and can’t be removed with surgery. These immunotherapeutic drugs also cause numerous side effects which include diarrhoea, tiredness, skin rash, and thyroid problems.
Conclusion:
Head and neck cancers consist of a wide range of cancerous cells that affect the areas including the throat, larynx, mouth, etc. The symptoms of this disease may range from mild to severe depending on its stage and location. For effective diagnoses and better treatment outcomes, you need to visit a head & neck Oncologist in Siliguri. Some of the treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Though each treatment option has its side effects and benefits, understanding them is essential for informed decision-making.
