With nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed annually, the high incidence of head and neck cancer is attributed to several prevalent risk factors.
Understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with head and neck cancer is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Head and neck cancer is a major health problem in India, accounting for approximately 30% of all cancer cases in the country. With nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed annually, the high incidence is attributed to several prevalent risk factors.
Dr Ankur Bahl, Senior Director, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, and Dr Vineet Kaul, Consultant, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, walk us through:
Symptoms of head and neck cancer
Dr. Bahl notes that common symptoms include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Frequent headaches
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Facial numbness or pain
- Neck Pain
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Lumps in the throat, mouth, or neck.
- Persistent earaches or infections
- Nosebleeds
- Bloody saliva or phlegm
- Sores that do not heal
- Frequent sinus infections
- White or red spots in the mouth
- Swelling in the jaw or face.
Dr. Kaul adds that other symptoms may manifest as:
- Ulcer that does not heal in 15 days
- Problems adjusting dentures
- Reduced mouth opening
- Swelling inside the nostril
- Swelling around the cheek
- Bulging eyes
- Swelling under the ear or chin.
- Swelling of the head or scalp
- Hearing loss or ear pain on one side only
Risk factors for head and neck cancer
Dr. Bahl points to several risk factors, with smoking being the main cause. The high rate of tobacco use in India contributes significantly to the incidence of these cancers. Other important risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is increasingly associated with oropharyngeal cancers among young adults.
Other risk factors noted by Dr. Bahl include:
- Weakened immune system due to HIV or major surgeries
- Exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos or pesticides.
- Radiation treatment for other tumors
- High consumption of salty foods increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer
- Genetic factors such as Fanconi anemia, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Poor dental hygiene, leading to periodontal disease and oral cancer
Dr. Kaul highlights occupational hazards that contribute to risk, such as exposure to wood dust, asbestos, nickel, or formaldehyde. He also mentions:
- Consumption of smoked fish
- Repeated infections of the salivary glands
- Exposure to UV rays or excessive exposure to the sun.
- Aspartame consumption
- Some genetic disorders such as Fanconi anemia
- Family history of head and neck cancer.
Prevention and early detection
Both experts stress the importance of early detection for effective treatment. Options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms can help detect the disease in its early stages. Preventive measures include maintaining good oral hygiene, reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption and getting vaccinated against HPV to significantly reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with head and neck cancer is critical to timely diagnosis and intervention. By adopting healthier lifestyles and being alert to changes in health, people can better protect themselves from this serious disease.
