Overview
Oncologists specialize in managing drug treatments for people with early and advanced cancers that affect the organs, muscles, bones and connective tissue. However, people with some early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone and may not need the care of an oncologist. Oncologists work with a team of doctors and subspecialists in other areas to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your individual needs.
Cancer is an infectious disease that causes cells to change and grow out of control. Normally, our bodies produce new cells as we need them, replacing old or damaged ones. When cancer develops, however, this process gets disturbed. Cancer cells grow even when the body doesn’t need them, and they don’t die when they should. These extra cells can form tumors or abnormal growths.
Cancers can develop anywhere in the body, but they most commonly occur in certain organs, such as the lung, breast, colon, skin, or prostate. For example, head and neck cancers develop in the tissues of the head or neck, including the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, or salivary glands.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin.
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain.
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles.
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing.
Head & Neck Cancer
There are many types of head and neck cancers, typically named for the part of the body where they originate. Below Mentioned most common types of head and neck cancer are:
♦ Laryngeal Cancer: Cancer that starts in the larynx (voice box)
♦ Oral Cancer: Cancer that starts in the mouth or lips
♦ Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that starts in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose)
♦ Salivary gland cancer: Cancer that starts in the salivary glands (glands that produce saliva)
♦ Thyroid cancer: Cancer that starts in the thyroid gland (a small butterfly-shaped gland in the lower part of the neck)
Head and neck cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location of cancer. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
→ A sore or growth in the mouth, lips, or throat that does not heal
→ Pain or difficulty swallowing
→ Persistent hoarseness or change in the voice
→ A cough that does not go away
→ Frequent nosebleeds or a blocked feeling in the nose
→ Ear pain or trouble hearing
→ Swelling in the jaw
→ Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause. However, non-cancerous conditions can also cause many symptoms, such as an infection, so it’s important not to self-diagnose. Medical professionals are the only ones capable of making a diagnosis.
If your doctor suspects that you may have head and neck cancer, they will probably order one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
⇒ Biopsy: A procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the body for examination under a microscope. It is usually the best way to confirm cancer.
⇒ Imaging tests: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These can help determine the size and location of a tumor.
⇒ Endoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the throat or esophagus. It allows the doctor to visualize any abnormal areas directly.
The treatment for head and neck cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer and the person’s overall health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
For head and neck cancer, surgery is the most common treatment. The type of surgery performed will depend on the location and size of the tumor. In some cases, only a portion of the affected tissue is removed. In other cases, the entire organ may need to be removed.
Besides surgery, other treatment options like radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to kill cancer cells.
Head and neck cancer can be a debilitating disease, but many people can make a full recovery with early diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know has head and neck cancer symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so that the cause can be determined and treatment can be started if necessary.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth’s inner tissues, also known as oral mucosa. It can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inside the cheeks, and even on the roof of the mouth. While oral cancer can be deadly, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught early. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the mucosa of the mouth. The mouth is made up of different types of mucosa that line different parts of the oral cavity, including:
- The Lips
- The Gums
- The inside of the cheeks
- The Tongue
- The roof of the mouth (hard palate)
Cancer can develop from any of these issues. When oral cancer starts on the lips, it is usually found on the lower lip. This type of oral cancer is called lip cancer.
Lip cancer may also spread to other parts of the lip or nearby areas, such as the gums, cheek, or even the nose.
Tongue Cancer: When oral cancer occurs on the tongue, it is usually found on the front or side of the tongue. This type of oral cancer is called tongue cancer. Tongue cancer may also spread to other parts of the tongue or nearby areas, such as the gums, cheek, or throat.
Gum Cancer: It is a type of oral cancer that starts in the gums. It is also known as periodontal cancer. Gum cancer may also spread to other parts of the gums or nearby areas, such as the teeth, cheeks, or even the throat.
Cheek Cancer: is a type of oral cancer that starts on the inside lining of the cheek. This type of oral cancer is also called buccal mucosa cancer. Inside of the cheek, cancer may also spread to other parts of the inside of the cheek or nearby areas, such as the gums, tongue, or even the throat.
Palate Cancer: Oral cancer can also occur on the roof of the mouth (hard palate). This type of oral cancer is called palate cancer. Palate cancer may also spread to other parts of the roof of the mouth or nearby areas, such as the gums, cheek, or even the nose.
The early stages of oral cancer often do not cause any symptoms. This is one reason why oral cancer can be so deadly. Cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body by the time symptoms appear.
However, there are some warning signs that you should be aware of, including:
→ A sore or irritation that does not go away
→ A lump or growth in the mouth
→ Bleeding in the mouth
→ Numbness in the mouth or lips
→ A change in the color of the tissue in the mouth
→ A change in the texture of the tissue in the mouth
→ A sore throat that does not go away
→ Difficulty swallowing
→ Ear pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Only a professional can determine if you have oral cancer or another condition.
The main cause of oral cancer is smoking. Other risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco: Tobacco is a huge risk factor for oral cancer, whether smoked or chewed.
- Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cancer. The risk is greater if you drink alcohol and smoke tobacco.
- Poor nutrition: Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a virus that can cause certain types of cancers, including oral cancer. The HPV vaccine can help protect against HPV-related cancers.
- Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of developing lip cancer.
- Oral piercings: Oral piercings can damage the tissues in your mouth and increase your risk of developing oral cancer
If your doctor suspects that you have oral cancer, they will likely order one or more of the following tests:
- Physical exam: During a physical exam, your doctor will inspect your mouth for any lumps, growths, or other changes. They may also feel your neck and lymph nodes for any swellings.
- Biopsy: It is the only way to diagnose oral cancer definitively. During a biopsy, your doctor will remove a small tissue sample from the suspicious area in your mouth. The tissue will then be sent to a lab to be examined for cancerous cells.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, may be ordered to check for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your mouth and throat. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on end will be inserted through your nose or mouth. This will allow your doctor to get a closer look at any suspicious areas.
The treatment for oral cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer and the size and location of the tumor. Treatment options may include:
Surgery:
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for oral cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue and a margin of healthy tissue around it. Surgery may be performed using a scalpel, laser, or microwave. In some cases, part or all of the tongue may need to be removed.
Radiation therapy:
It uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery.
Targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific abnormalities in cancer cells. This helps to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
Some lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Quitting tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco (gutka, pan masala) is the most critical risk factor for oral cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing oral cancer. If you drink alcohol, it’s better to do so in moderation. - Protecting your lips from the sun: Using a lip balm or lip balm with SPF can help protect your lips from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): human papillomavirus (HPV), is a risk factor for oral cancer. The HPV vaccine is available for both boys and girls, and it can help protect against HPV-related cancers.
- Regular dental checkups: Seeing your dentist routinely can help catch any problems early on. During a dental exam, your dentist will check your mouth for any changes that may indicate oral cancer.
