What are Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region. These cancers typically originate in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces (e.g., mouth, throat, nose). They can also occur in the salivary glands, sinuses, and other structures.

Different Types of Head and Neck Cancers

1.Oral Cavity Cancer: Affects lips, tongue, gums, inner cheek lining, the floor of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth.

2.Pharyngeal Cancer (Throat Cancer):

• Nasopharynx: Upper part of the throat behind the nose.
• Oropharynx: Middle part of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue.
• Hypopharynx: Lower part of the throat above the esophagus and windpipe.

3.Laryngeal Cancer: Involves the voice box (larynx).

4.Salivary Gland Cancer: Rare; develops in the salivary glands (e.g., parotid gland).

5.Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer: Affects the sinuses or nasal cavity.

6.Metastases or Unknown Primary Tumor: Cancer detected in the head or neck lymph nodes without a clear origin.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers: The symptoms vary based on the location but may include:

General Symptoms:

• Persistent sore throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Hoarseness or voice changes.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Oral Cavity:

• Non-healing sores or ulcers.
• Red or white patches inside the mouth.
• Swelling or lump in the jaw.

Throat and Larynx:

• Lump or mass in the neck.
• Painful swallowing or ear pain.
• Chronic cough or difficulty breathing.

Nasal Cavity or Sinuses:

• Chronic sinus infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
• Nasal obstruction or frequent nosebleeds.
• Numbness or pain in the face.

Salivary Glands:

• Swelling in the jaw or near the ears.
• Persistent pain or difficulty moving facial muscles.

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers

1.Physical Examination: Inspection and palpation of lumps, sores, or masses.

2.Imaging Studies:

• CT Scan: Identifies tumors or metastases.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues.
• PET Scan: Detects cancer spread.

3.Endoscopy: Direct visualization of the throat, larynx, or sinuses using a flexible camera.

4.Biopsy: Tissue sample from the suspected lesion analyzed for cancer cells.

5.Molecular Testing: Identifies specific markers like HPV or EBV for prognosis and treatment planning.

6.Blood Tests: Checks overall health and may detect associated conditions.

Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

1. Surgery

• Removes tumors or cancerous lymph nodes.
• May involve reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance.

2. Radiation Therapy

• Used for localized cancers.
• May be combined with chemotherapy for advanced stages.

3. Chemotherapy

• Kills cancer cells or sensitizes them to radiation.
• Drugs include cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.

4. Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific molecular pathways:

Cetuximab: Targets EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor).

5. Immunotherapy: Stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells:

Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab: Target PD-1/PD-L1 pathways.

6. Rehabilitation and Supportive Care

• Speech and swallowing therapy.
• Nutritional support and pain management.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

Prognosis depends on:

• Stage of cancer at diagnosis.
• Location and HPV/EBV status (HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have better outcomes).

Follow-Up:

• Regular checkups to detect recurrence or manage side effects.
• Imaging and blood tests every 3–6 months initially, then annually.

Head and neck cancers require a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, and advancements in treatment are continuously improving survival rates and quality of life.