Overview
Head and neck cancers are a broad category of cancers that occur in the head and neck region. They can develop in various parts of the head and neck, such as the lips, gums, tongue, roof or floor of the mouth, and the throat. Treatment for head and neck cancers often involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and may be combined to address different types, locations, and sizes of cancers. After treatment, recovery may involve working with rehabilitation specialists and other experts to cope with side effects like hearing loss, difficulty eating, dental problems, thyroid issues, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of head and neck cancers may include:
- A sore or irritation that doesn't heal in the head and neck area
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- A lump or swelling in the neck that does not go away
- A change in the voice, such as hoarseness
- A persistent earache
- Numbness or pain in the head or neck
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Loosening of the teeth However, it is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Risk Factors
Head and neck cancers can be caused by various factors, including:
- Smoking and being around people who smoke
- Long-term exposure to chemicals and irritants in the air, such as wood dust, fumes from glue, rubbing alcohol, formaldehyde, and dust from flour, chromium, and nickel
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Genetic factors and inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and Fanconi anemia
- Older age
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) It's important to note that not all head and neck cancers have identifiable risk factors, and some people with risk factors may never develop the disease.
Development
The specific causes of head and neck cancers can vary depending on the type of cancer. Nasal and paranasal tumors are caused by genetic mutations that turn normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells, leading to the formation of a mass (tumor). These mutations may occur spontaneously or be inherited. If the abnormal cells become cancerous, they can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body. Mouth cancers, on the other hand, develop when cells in the mouth undergo changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations cause the cells to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating abnormal mouth cancer cells can form a tumor, which may spread to other areas of the head and neck or other parts of the body over time. Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. Most types of thyroid cancer grow slowly, and most can be cured with treatment. The increase in thyroid cancer rates may be attributed to improved imaging technology that allows for the detection of small thyroid cancers on CT and MRI scans done for other conditions. In summary, head and neck cancers develop due to genetic mutations or DNA changes in normal, healthy cells, leading to the formation of tumors. The specific causes and types of head and neck cancers vary, and treatment options depend on the type, location, and size of the cancer.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have any persistent signs and symptoms that bother you and last more than two weeks. These symptoms may include a lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, loose teeth, a growth or lump inside your mouth, mouth pain, ear pain, difficult or painful swallowing, vision problems, a lump in your neck, difficulty opening your mouth, or other related symptoms. It's important to consult with your doctor or dentist for further evaluation and diagnosis, as they will investigate other more common causes for your signs and symptoms first, such as an infection.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of head and neck cancers may include:
- Impaired speech or hearing: Head and neck cancers can lead to damage or removal of the affected tissues, resulting in speech or hearing difficulties.
- Swallowing problems: Treatment for head and neck cancers can cause scar tissue to form in the throat, making it difficult to swallow.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause a decrease in appetite or problems with digestion, leading to malnutrition.
- Dental problems: Head and neck cancers may require removal of teeth, which can cause dental issues and affect oral hygiene.
- Thyroid problems: Radiation therapy to the neck may cause thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Hormonal imbalances: Head and neck cancers can cause damage to the pituitary gland, leading to hormonal imbalances.
- Lymphedema: Lymph nodes in the neck may be removed or damaged during treatment, leading to swelling and circulatory problems in the affected arm. It is essential to work closely with healthcare professionals during and after treatment to manage these potential complications and maintain the best quality of life possible.
Treatment
Treatment for head and neck cancers often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific treatment approach depends on the type, location, and size of the cancer. After treatment, patients may work with rehabilitation specialists and other experts to manage side effects such as hearing loss, difficulty eating, dental problems, thyroid issues, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information specific to your condition.