What are head and neck cancers?
Head and neck cancers, as the name suggests, are cancers of the head and neck region. It is one of the types of cancer that can be treated when diagnosed early. The majority of head and neck cancers show symptoms at an early stage. If the symptoms are noticed early and the doctor is warned early, it may be easier for the doctor to make the correct diagnosis in a timely manner.
When it comes to head and neck cancers, lips, inside the cheeks, gums, palate, tongue, cancers from the base of the mouth, nostril cancers and nasal cancers cancers, pharyngeal cancers, located in the facial bones and sinus cancers that develop within the paranasal sinus cancers , larynx cancers, auricle and external canal cancers and salivary gland cancers.
What are the risk factors?
Alcohol and tobacco use are the most important causes of cancers of the oral cavity and larynx. Another important factor for head and neck cancers is the sexually transmitted HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) virus. Poor oral hygiene, radiation exposure and EBV (Ebstein Barr Virus) virus infections are also risk factors.
What are the symptoms?
A painless and growing swelling of the head and neck
Non-healing wounds in the mouth, tongue or lips
Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
Hoarseness or change in sound
Difficulty breathing
Speech Difficulty
Ear pain, tinnitus or hearing difficulty
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is made by listening to the complaints of the patient, examination of the patient and taking parts for pathological examination from the suspicious area. After diagnosis, ultrasonography, computed tomography or MRI may be necessary to determine the stage of the disease.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of the disease is determined according to conditions such as location, stage, age of the patient and the presence of other health problems. Treatment options include; surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
