Head and neck cancers often begin within the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces in the neck and head, such as the mouth, throat, and nose. These particular cancers are known as squamous cell carcinomas. Head and neck cancers can also start within the salivary glands of a person, but these types of cancer are quite uncommon. The salivary glands contain a lot of different types of cells that might become cancerous, which means that there are many different forms of salivary cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer Causes:
Tobacco and alcohol use are two of the biggest risk factors that can lead to head and neck cancers. This is particularly true for cancers of the oral cavity. Around 75% of all neck and head cancers are caused by some manner of alcohol and tobacco use, and people who use both substances are at greater risk.
Additionally, infection with certain types of the HPV virus that can cause cancer, such as HPV type 16, is another risk factor for some forms of head and neck cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms and signs of head and neck cancers can include a sore or lump that doesn't heal, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice. Of course, these symptoms can also be caused by a range of less serious conditions too. Symptoms that affect specific areas of the neck and head might include:
– Red or white patches in the tongue, gums, or the lining of the mouth, or swelling of the jaw.
– Difficulty with speaking or breathing, or pain when swallowing that that includes discomfort around the throat and neck.
– Frequent headaches and ringing in the ears.
– Blocked sinuses that don't clear and chronic sinus infections that will not respond to treatment.
– Nose bleeds and swelling or trouble around the eyes.
– Swelling around the jawbone or chin, and paralysis in the muscles of the chin, face, or jaw.
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment:
The treatment plan for neck and head cancers will depend on various factors, including the location of the tumor, the age of the person, and the stage of the cancer. Treatment might include radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and a range of other treatments. Importantly, the range of treatments that are given for neck and head cancer will depend on the cause of the cancer as well as the symptoms that you are experiencing. For instance, people who are diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer that is HPV-positive are likely to be treated differently to those who have HPV-negative oropharyngeal tumors.
The reason for this is that people with HPV-positive tumors who are suffering from head and neck cancer generally have a better outlook than HPV-negative people when it comes to treatment, and therefore may be able to completely cure their condition without having to resort to very intense or significant forms of treatment. Further investigation is still being done into the treatment options for people with head and neck cancer.