Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Head and neck cancer refers to the group of cancer occurring in mouth, nose, larynx and salivary glands. Head and neck cancer generally begin in the squamous cell which lines the moist and mucosal surface of head and neck.
SYMPTOMS

• Red or white patch in the mouth
• Swelling or sore that does not heal
• Foul mouth odor
• Lumps, bumps or mass in the neck or other areas
• Pain and difficulty in chewing and swallowing
• Double vision
• Blood in saliva

DIAGNOSIS

• HPV Test
• Physical examination
• Blood and urine test
• Biopsy
• Molecular testing of tumor
• X-ray
• CT Scan
• MRI

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS IN INDIA:
Here we are dealing with a group of cancer that can be located at different places of head and Neck. So the treatment for all of them is different. Below we are providing you with an overview and generalized treatment.
Surgery – This includes a varied of options depending on the location and stage of the cancer, but the primary aim remains to remove the part with the cancerous cell growth.
Laser technology: This may be used to treat an early-stage tumor, especially if it was found in the larynx. This minimally invasive surgery helps treating cancer and at the same time preserves the structures involved in speech and swallowing. The surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope through the patient’s mouth and into the throat. Surgeons remove the tumor using a special laser that is attached to the endoscope.

Excision: This is an operation to remove the cancerous tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue, known as a margin.

Lymph node dissection or neck dissection:  If the doctor suspects the cancer has spread, the doctor may remove lymph nodes in the neck. This may cause stiffness in the shoulders afterward. This may be done at the same time as an excision.

Reconstructive (plastic) surgery: If cancer surgery requires major tissue removal, such as removing the jaw, skin, pharynx, or tongue, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be done to replace the missing tissue. This type of operation helps restore a person’s appearance and the function of the affected area. For example, a prosthodontist may be able to make an artificial dental or facial part to help restore the ability to swallow and speak. A speech pathologist may then be needed to help the patient relearn how to swallow and communicate using new techniques and special treatment.

Chemotherapy: A procedure in which cancer is treated by drugs or chemicals to slow down the growth of cancerous cells.

Radiation therapy: A procedure that involves high energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells.