Skip to main content

Head & Neck Cancer

  • HEAD & NECK CANCER

  • Definition

    • Cancers of the lip, mouth, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and (possibly) trachea.
    • 90% are squamous cell carcinomas.

  • Signs and symptoms

    • Throat lump.
    • Sore throat and odynophagia.
    • Dysarthria and dysphonia. A hoarse voice suggests laryngeal disease or lung cancer invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
    • Earache
    • Cough
    • Leukoplakia: white areas of keratosis in the mouth or throat, which can be premalignant. Hairy leukoplakia is a non-malignant type caused by EBV in HIV patients.
    • Weight loss.
    • Epistaxis
    • Cervical lymphadenopathy: cervical nodes are a common site of spread. Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy suggests GI or lung cancer.

  • Risk factors

    UV-HEAD for SCC:
    • UV light: lip cancer.
    • HPV: oropharyngeal cancer.
    • EBV: nasopharyngeal cancer.
    • Alcohol
    • Having a Drag i.e. smoking, especially oral and laryngeal cancer.
    Adenocarcinomas:
    • Furniture factory workers are at increased risk due to wood dust exposure. Usually affects ethmoidal sinus.

  • Investigations

    • Nasopharyngoscopy
    • Needle biopsy including of lymph nodes.
    • MRI for staging.

  • Management

    • Radiotherapy is mainstay, especially if small.
    • Many will also need surgery ± adjuvant chemotherapy.







Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The Polio Vaccine Menace: Should You Worry?

The Polio Vaccine Menace: Should You Worry? There has been a recent spurt in media regarding the contamination of oral polio vaccine with type 2 poliovirus strain by a certain vaccine manufacturer. The Director of the Company was arrested last Friday after the CDSCO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare lodged an FIR. What are the facts around it? Is it really something to worry about? Does the campaign “ DO BOOND JINDAGI KI ” for compulsory polio vaccination of kids require further investigation? We understand the concern. This made us consult the experts and find the answers. What is the Background of Type 2 Polio Virus Strain? Polio vaccines were prepared using three poliovirus strains: types 1, 2 and 3, in the past. However, August 2016 onwards, it was decided by the Government of India to withdraw the type 2 strain based on its epidemiological significance. So, a large number of children received the same strain that had been used under the National Immun...
1 comment
Read more

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF TRIPHALA?

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF TRIPHALA? Did You Know About These Amazing Health Benefits Of Triphala? Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, healthcare and well being places immense importance on Triphala. Triphala is a herbal mix made of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, 3 fruits dried and powdered in equal measure; hence the name.Here are some amazing health benefits of triphala: 1 . Improves Eyesight Amla strengthens eye muscles and cleanses the eyes of foreign objects. Haritaki or harad prevents eye conditions like cataract and glaucoma. Regular use of triphala water has been known to improve vision and slow down the deterioration of the eyes and conditions related to it. Mix 1-2 tablets or ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder in 300 ml of water, soak overnight. Filter this mix and use it to wash your eyes with, every morning. For best results use a copper vessel to store the Triphala water. 2 . Regulates Metabolism Good metabolism is the key to good health. Ay...
1 comment
Read more

Diet, Diabetes and Oral Care

Diet, Diabetes and Oral Care.   With 50.8 million suffering from diabetes, India continues to be the ‘diabetes capital’. Problems with teeth and gums can be more common for people with diabetes, so good oral health is important to prevent complications developing. And by 2030, nearly 9% of the India’s population is likely to be affected from diabetes, according to a study of International Diabetes Federation. This raises concern about looking after teeth and gums as it is an essential part of learning to live with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Indians now need to seriously consider good oral health as it contributes general overall health. Diabetics are more susceptible to developing oral infections and gum (periodontal) disease than those who do not have diabetes.  You need to therefore keep blood sugar within a normal range to reduce risk of oral health problems. Dentists at Stoma Advanced Dental Care advised eating a balanced diet, gett...
1 comment
Read more

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Total Pageviews