Head And Neck Cancer

Medical Review

Written by: Dr. Von Chiao Wen Doctor of Medicine (MD), N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Reviewed by: Dr. Lee Chin Meng Doctor of Medicine (MD), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Overview of Head And Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck, such as the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands.

Signs and Symptoms of Head And Neck Cancer

Persistent mouth ulcers, Hoarseness of voice, Difficulty or pain when swallowing, Cough, Shortness of breath, Sore throat, Lump in the neck, Persistent blocked or stuffy nose, Nosebleed, Decreased sense of smell, Tinnitus

Common Causes of Head And Neck Cancer

Excessive alcohol use, Heavy smoking, Chewing tobacco products and betel nuts, Poor diet with lots of salted or preserved food, Infections such as human papillomavirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus infection, Poor dental health, Occupational exposure to asbestos, formaldehyde, wood dust and synthetic fibers, Family history of cancer

Risk Factors of Head And Neck Cancer

Excessive alcohol use, Heavy smoking, Chewing tobacco products and betel nuts, Poor diet with lots of salted or preserved food, Infections such as human papillomavirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus infection, Poor dental health, Occupational exposure to asbestos, formaldehyde, wood dust and synthetic fibers, Family history of cancer

Investigation Techniques for Head And Neck Cancer

Medical history, Physical examination, Biopsy such as punch biopsy, fine needle aspiration with cytology, nasoendoscopy, panendoscopy, X-ray, Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected area, Computerised tomography (CT) scan of the affected area, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Treatment and Prevention of Head And Neck Cancer

Surgery to remove affected tissues such as partial glossectomy, followed by reconstructive facial surgery, Radiation therapy such as internal radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy such as Cetuximab, Photodynamic therapy, Palliative care

Available Head And Neck Cancer Medicines

No medicines currently available for this condition.

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