head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancers are tumors that start in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and voice box). Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are the name for these cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas can start in the salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck, but these tumors are far less prevalent than squamous cell carcinoma

• Oral Cavity: Includes lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and small area of gum behind wisdom teeth.
• Throat (Pharynx): Comprises nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, running from beneath the nose to the esophagus.Comprises nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, running from beneath the nose to the esophagus.
• Voicebox (Larynx): Houses vocal cords and features the epiglottis to prevent food from entering airways.
• Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity: Hollow areas surrounding the nose and nasal cavity.
• Salivary Gland: Main glands located under the mouth and near the jawbone, producing saliva, with minor glands found throughout mouth and throat mucous membranes.

• Alcohol, Betel Quid, Tobacco: Major risk factors, especially for oral cavity, hypopharyngeal, and voice box cancers; combined use increases risk significantly.
• HPV Infection: HPV type 16 linked to oropharyngeal cancers, with increasing incidence in the U.S.; responsible for majority of oropharyngeal malignancies.
• Exposure in Risky Areas: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma linked to wood dust exposure; asbestos, synthetic fibers associated with voice box cancer; wood dust, nickel dust, or formaldehyde exposure linked to paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancers.
• Radiation Exposure: Raises risk of salivary gland cancer.
• Genetic Disorders: Fanconi anemia increases risk of precancerous lesions and cancers early in life.

• Lump in the Neck or Sore in Mouth/Throat: Unhealed sores, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes.
• Oral Cavity: White or red spots, jaw swelling, bleeding, or discomfort.
• Throat (Pharynx): Painful swallowing, persistent neck/throat pain, ear pain, or hearing difficulty.
• Voicebox (Larynx): Breathing or speaking trouble, swallowing pain, or earache.
• Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity: Persistent sinus blockages, chronic infections, nosebleeds, headaches, eye issues, tooth pain, or denture problems.
• Salivary Gland: Swelling under chin or around jaw, facial muscle numbness/paralysis, or persistent facial, chin, or neck pain.

• Physical Examination: Visual and tactile assessment.
• Endoscopy: Internal organ examination with illuminated tubes.
• CT Scan: Detailed imaging of head and neck areas.
• MRI: Comprehensive imaging using a powerful magnet.
• PET Scan: Detects cancer cells using modified sugar.
• Biopsy: Tissue examination confirms diagnosis.

Surgery

• Determines tumor nature.
• Neck dissection: Removes cancer from neck lymph nodes.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Restores appearance and function post-tumor removal.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Uses specialized instruments for less tissue disruption.

Radiation Therapy:

• Uses intense energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Systemic Therapy:

• Treats cancer growth throughout the body.

Chemotherapy:

• Inhibits cancer cell growth using drugs.

Targeted Therapy:

• Focuses on specific proteins or tumor microenvironment to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.