July 27 is observed as the world Head and Neck Cancer Day every year. This is a significant global moment towards raising awareness about head and neck cancers and how greatly these cancers can be prevented, detected early, treated. In the globe millions of people are affected by head and neck cancer making it a major global health challenge. Medical institutions professionals communities.
There are good treatments As for as reducing therapy-associated morbidity and cosmetic issues are concerned can do that. For example, 80 -90% of all cases Tobacco smoking alcohol related diseases are among the causes of most neck and head cancers. The higher prevalence of head and neck cancer in India is associated with oral tobacco use. One of the most important psychoactive substances known to human beings which is also a carcinogen is Betel nut (supari).
Breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are common in western countries while in India Head and neck cancer represents approximately 25-30% of all neoplasms found there. Treatment may not provide cure if it is given at an advanced stage.
Symptoms:
Head and neck cancer has more chances to occur Early diagnosis It would be best if doctors or patients checked them easily. If they were diagnosed as stage 1 or 2 nearly 80% to 90% can be successfully treated without much functional disability. Due to these being commonly monotherapies (surgery or radiation therapy) than Not multiple therapies.
Other warning signs include any lump noticed on face/neck/mouth; mouth sores; swelling in the neck region. Difficulty in swallowing perception of food stuck odynophagia (pain when swallowing) hoarseness etc. Cancers occurring at back side or nasal area of nose may cause unilateral epistaxis (nose bleed on one side) & unilateral nasal congestion. Unilateral symptom should prompt medical attention. Swelling of thyroid gland or main salivary gland area represents other head and neck cancers are also salivary gland and thyroid cancers.
Subsequently, the mouth appears white, it is difficult to open, intolerant to spicy food and cannot protrude the tongue due to chewing supari which causes a condition called oral submucosal fibrosis in individuals who use betel nut (supari), this disease can be one of the early signs of cancer. This is mainly diagnosed at late stages 3 & 4 with low survival rates as well as severe functional and cosmetic problems. A healthy lifestyle, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, maintenance of good oral hygiene. And diet rich in vitamins A C E may reduce head & Neck Cancer risk by a large proportion.
In India there is another kind of head and neck cancer affecting the oropharynx caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) which occurs more frequently in western countries than in India. HPV-related cancers have been linked to multiple sexual partners as well as oral sex.
Treatment: Detecting and adjusted to the individual requirements
It also underscores the need for encouraging research on new advanced treatments and international cooperation in the field. We can make great strides in this fight by creating partnerships among healthcare providers, researchers, industry leaders and policy makers. Together we can advocate for policies that prioritize access to affordable, quality health care and early detection strategies. Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer and make better lives for people affected.
Chennai and Mumbai are available with proton therapy in my country, which has its implications for head as well as neck cancers. Proton therapy is more advantageous than standard treatment methods. In head & neck oncology, sophisticated reconstruction using microvascular free flaps involving bone replacement, mucosal lining replacements or even skin substitution may be performed if tumor arises from cheek region extending outwards. We no longer require facial incisions when performing endoscopic surgery of sinus tumors. Some tumors of the oropharynx and thyroid may be treated via robotic surgery. Traditional surgery cannot be replaced by robotic surgery but it can be used selectively among patients with minimally invasive procedures in sinus nose areas.
Surgical procedures and radiation therapy are the main treatment modalities for management of HNC cases. Chemotherapy assists surgical cases while improving efficacy of radiotherapy though not a standalone cure for head as well as neck cancers. Recently conventional chemotherapy has been combined with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses checkpoint inhibitors which work on immune system against tumor shrinking them down. Nevertheless, immunotherapy is currently restricted to late-stage cancers where other approaches fail.
Quitting smoking cessation, responsible drinking practices, HPV vaccination can significantly decrease incidence rate of HNCs prevention. Other factors include adequate oral hygiene practices mouthwash checkups robostic vocal hygiene (avoidance of frequent throat clearing). Staying away from acid reflux causing foods in order to avoid developing certain skin types towards head and neck cancers through good sun protection amongst others.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is a significant milestone in the global fight against head and neck cancer. Together we can advocate for policies that prioritize cancer prevention, ensure access to affordable, high-quality health care, and promote early detection strategies. We hope to alleviate the burden of this disease and improve the quality of life for those suffering from it.
(Article provided by: Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz – Director, Department of Oncology and Senior Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai)
“Why are alcohol consumption and smoking more common risk factors for oral cancer in men than in women?”
