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What Increases the Risk of Head and Neck Cancers?
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What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?
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How Is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?
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What Are the Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancers?
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Prevention and Early Diagnosis: Key to Successful Outcomes
Head and neck cancers refer to a group of malignancies that occur in the tissues and organs of the oral cavity, tongue, lips, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), nasal cavity, sinuses, thyroid gland, and salivary glands. These cancers account for approximately 10% of all cancer cases.
What Increases the Risk of Head and Neck Cancers?
The most significant risk factor for nearly all head and neck cancers is tobacco use. Both active and passive smoking considerably increase the risk. Additional risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, prolonged exposure to radiation or sunlight, contact with certain chemicals, and genetic predisposition.
What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor, but the most common signs include:
- Painless lump in the neck
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fresh blood in the mouth
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal congestion
- Non-healing sores
How Is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?
As with all cancers, a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy. Depending on the tumor location, this may involve a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or an open biopsy. The collected tissue sample is then examined pathologically to confirm the diagnosis.
What Should Patients with Symptoms Do?
Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of head and neck cancer should consult a specialist to determine whether the symptom is cancer-related. A thorough physical examination and, when necessary, endoscopic evaluation should be performed. If cancer is suspected, further radiological imaging and biopsy procedures are conducted.
Which Medical Specialties Treat Head and Neck Cancers?
In Türkiye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists typically perform biopsies and surgical treatments for head and neck cancers. However, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for successful treatment. Specialties involved may include ENT, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
What Are the Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancers?
Treatment typically involves one or more of the following:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
The choice of treatment depends on the tumor location, cancer stage, patient’s overall health, and type of cancer. While one in ten cancer cases involves the head and neck, mortality rates are relatively low. Early diagnosis significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Prevention and Early Diagnosis: Key to Successful Outcomes
Tobacco use is the primary modifiable risk factor. Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products greatly reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
Equally important is early detection. Patients with potential symptoms should be evaluated by experienced specialists, and once diagnosed, a multidisciplinary treatment plan should be formulated in expert centers.
With early diagnosis and well-coordinated care, the chances of a full recovery from head and neck cancer are significantly high.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
