Head and neck cancer is a family of cancers that can arise anywhere in the head and neck region. Although relatively rare, with an estimated 12,400 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK, head and neck cancer involves more than 30 different areas within the region where cancer can occur. They comprise the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), salivary glands, nose and sinuses, and nasopharynx (the part located at the rear of the nasal passage and orifice).
However, in the case of oesophageal (gullet) cancer, thyroid cancer, brain tumors, or eye cancer, they are categorized under head and neck cancer if they occur at a nearby region. Knowing and understanding the various cancers of the head and neck areas and their possible symptoms can help achieve early detection as well as be treated.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer
Oral Cancer
- Summary: This is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It may take place anywhere within the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, the floor or roof of the mouth, and the lining in the cheeks on either side of the jaw. Mouth cancer often manifests as persistent sores or ulcers within the mouth that will not heal and unexplained lumps, both of which may be painful.
- Painful mouth ulcers or sores that do not heal.
- Unexplained lumps inside the mouth.
- Chewing or swallowing is difficult.
- Long-term pain in the mouth, jaw, or throat.
- A change in voice or drooling.
- Mouth cancer is often associated with other risk factors, including smoking, heavy alcohol use, and a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box Cancer)
- Overview: Laryngeal cancer is a disease that starts in the tissue of the larynx. This refers to the voice box, which is situated in the throat. It’s more common among men and mostly presents with hoarseness or changes in voice.
- Symptoms:
- Hoarse voice or voice changes.
- Pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Noisy breathing or shortness of breath.
- A persistent cough.
- Lump or swelling in the neck.
- Sore throat that does not go away.
- Smoking and alcohol use can influence laryngeal cancer. It can occur in any part of the larynx, including the vocal cords.
Throat Cancer
- Overview : Throat cancer can arise on any area of the pharynx, which contains three parts: oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx. Being complex, the throat does not frequently receive a common term from physicians such as “throat cancer” since many are specific areas that may experience the growth of cancer. The oropharynx is at the rear of the mouth, the hypopharynx connects with the gullet and the windpipe, and the nasopharynx is at the back of the nose.
- Symptoms:
- Lump in the neck.
- Sore throat or sore in the mouth that does not heal.
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing.
- A feeling that food is stuck in the throat.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Throat cancer is often associated with smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV infection.
Salivary Gland Cancer
- Overview: The salivary glands produce saliva that acts to assist in the digestive process and in wetting the mouth. Cancer is relatively rare to be found in this area, but most of the time it is affected by the parotid glands, which are found between the cheek and ear. The major three pairs of salivary glands are named parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands.
- Symptoms:
- There is a swelling or lump inside the mouth or neck, particularly around the jaw.
- Numbness on one side of your face.
- Drooping muscles on one side of your face.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Soreness or pain in or around the affected gland.
- Most salivary gland lumps are benign, but a neck or jaw lump or swelling should be checked by a doctor.
Nasal and Sinus Cancer
- Overview: Nasal and sinus cancer involves the nasal cavity and sinuses, which are cavities filled with air within the bones of the face. The disease is relatively rare. It also presents with the symptoms of viral or bacterial infections because, often, people may mistake it for a routine viral or bacterial infection.
- Symptoms:
- Recurring blocked nose, usually on one side.
- Bleeding from the nose, in many cases, frequently recurring.
- Impaired ability to smell.
- Mucus running down the nose or nose
- Swelling about the eyes.
- Nasal and sinus cancers are not easy to diagnose because their symptoms often overlap with common respiratory infections.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Overview: Nasopharyngeal cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the nasopharynx, the part of the throat connecting the back of the nose to the back of the mouth. It is one of the rarest forms of head and neck cancer, especially in the UK, but it is more common in some parts of Asia.
- Symptoms:
- A swelling in the neck, which is caused by the spread of the cancer into the lymph nodes.
- A blocked or stuffy nose, which may increase in time
- Nosebleeds.
- Hearing loss, often unilateral.
- Ear pain or pain in the face.
- Epidemiology: The cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is still unknown. However, it is commonly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is also seen in persons with a past history in family members regarding the disease.
Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer
Many causes contribute to the increased risk of developing head and neck cancer, which includes:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are the major causes of head and neck cancers, particularly of the mouth, larynx, and throat.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: The consumption of a large amount of alcohol leads to a higher risk of cancer in the head and neck, especially if combined with tobacco use.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV, especially HPV type 16, is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancers, which include cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue.
- Age: Head and neck cancers primarily occur in people older than 50 years, but can occur in younger people, especially with HPV-related cancers.
- Gender: More men than women are diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
- Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
- Occupational Hazards: Certain occupations that expose individuals to chemicals, dust, and fumes, such as construction workers or industrial workers, may increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Head and neck cancer can be diagnosed by a variety of tests, including physical exams, imaging (such as CT or MRI scans), biopsy, and endoscopy. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and a better prognosis.
Treatment of head and neck cancer
- Surgery: In most cases, the primary treatment for many types of head and neck cancer is the removal of the tumor through surgery.
- Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy is one of the common means of treating head and neck cancers, either as a single modality or in association with surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is applied alongside surgery and radiation or after the proliferation of cancer to other parts of the body.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs work on specifically designed molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is the use of the body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells. It is a new treatment approach for head and neck cancer.
- Rehabilitation: After the treatment, the patient may require speech, swallowing, or physical therapy to achieve normal function. This is so because the voice box, mouth, or throat might have been affected by surgery.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis of head and neck cancer is variable and depends on several factors such as the type of cancer, location, stage at diagnosis, and the general health of the patient. Early-stage cancers are relatively easier to treat and have a better prognosis. The survival rate differs according to the type of cancer, but generally, the five-year survival rate for head and neck cancers is about 60-70%.
Conclusion
Head and neck cancers are a series of cancers which may occur almost anywhere in the head and neck, and they are a group that includes mouth cancers, laryngeal cancer, throat cancers, and salivary gland cancer. Early symptoms of this condition have a lot of potential to yield good outcomes if attention is sought very promptly. Many head and neck cancers are preventable if patients avoid risk factors like tobacco use and excessive alcohol drinking, and the new vaccination program is also reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. Many people diagnosed with head and neck cancer can recover with modern treatment and lead healthy lives. If symptoms or risk factors occur, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and possibly early treatment.
