Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers are a group of diseases that involves malignancies in the tissues or cells of the head and neck area including the throat, nose, larynx, salivary glands, jaw, ears, and mouth. Advanced head and neck cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that has spread to other parts of the body outside the neck area. Over 500,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer each year. Advanced head and neck cancer requires urgent and intensive treatment.
Symptoms of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
The symptoms of advanced head and neck cancer depend on the location of the tumor and the organs and structures that are affected. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing
- Voice change
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Coughing
- A lump in the neck
- Nosebleeds
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus problems
- Trouble breathing
- Ear problems
- Pain in the face, neck, or jaw
- White or reddish patches in the mouth or throat
Causes of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
The exact cause of head and neck cancers is not known. However, there are certain risk factors that can make a person more susceptible to developing the disease such as:
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as certain metals or timber
- Sun exposure
- Exposure to certain viruses, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having a family history of head and neck cancer
Diagnosing Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Advanced head and neck cancer is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and further tests. Tests may include blood tests, CT scans, MRI, biopsies, and X-rays. A specialist doctor, such as an oncologist or otolaryngologist, may be consulted to diagnose and treat the condition.
Treatment Options for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
The primary treatment option for advanced head and neck cancer is surgery. Surgery may involve removing lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue around the neck area, or even the whole neck, depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. Other treatments for advanced head and neck cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Prognosis of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
The prognosis of advanced head and neck cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to improving patient outcomes. With timely and effective treatment, the prognosis for advanced head and neck cancer is usually very good. However, the cancer can recur even after successful treatment, so it is important for patients to be monitored closely.