Alcohol and tobacco use are the two most important risk factors for head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypo pharynx, and larynx. At least ۷۵% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use .People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.
To find the cause of the signs or symptoms of a problem in the head and neck area, a doctor evaluates a person’s medical history, performs a physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests. The exams and tests may vary depending on the symptoms. Examination of a sample of tissue under a microscope is always necessary to confirm a diagnosis of cancer. If the diagnosis is cancer, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of disease. Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Staging may involve an examination under anesthesia (in an operating room), x-rays and other imaging procedures, and laboratory tests. Remember that with early detection, most head and neck cancers are treatable, so seeing the warning signs, immediately to see a doctor. Malignant cancers are primary and secondary that Endocrinology cancer includes early type under the jaw, thyroid and lymph nodes.
The treatment plan for an individual patient depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and general health. Treatment for head and neck cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.
The symptoms of head and neck cancer:
۱- Neck masses
The cancer in the head or neck, usually starting before spreading to other areas, the lymph gland
to the neck. Neck masses that continue over two weeks should be reviewed by your doctor promptly.
Of course all of the masses, is not cancerous, but one or more Neck mass may be the first symptom of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, thyroid, or blood cancer, and lymphoma. Such masses are usually painless and bigger constantly.
۲ -Change the sound
Most cancers of the larynx cause the sound change. Although most of the sound changes are not caused by cancer, but you should not venture. If the change took longer than two weeks, consult a physician.
Neck cancer
۳-oral gland
Most cancers of the mouth or tongue causing a wound or swelling that they are not disappears. This is not painful and may therefore be misleading. Bleeding is possible, but usually not seen until the advanced stages.
۳. Bring up the blood
In this case, usually is not the cause, cancer. Although the tumors of the nose, mouth, throat or lungs can cause bleeding. If you have blood in your phlegm or saliva, and seen more than a few days, you should consult a physician.
۴ -Swallowing problems
Cancer of the throat or esophagus may swallow solid foods and liquids are sometimes difficult. If you're having trouble swallowing, almost always by the practitioner examination. Radiographic barium swallow or endoscopy of the esophagus, usually done to find out the cause,. For the face and lips and an ear that does not improve, change the color of black or black-blue skin, a change in facial moles like resizing, color or bleed should be checked by your doctor
۵ Skin changes
The most common head and neck cancer, basal cell skin cancer. Fortunately, in the case of early treatment, the result is excellent. This cancer often in areas exposed to the Sun, like the forehead, face and ears, but can occur anywhere on the skin.
Other types of skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma in the head and neck on up. The majority of squamous cell cancers will appear, on the lower lip and ears.
۶ -Persistent earache
Constant pain in the ear or around it when swallowing throat infection or could be a sign of a tumor. Especially if this is the case with the forms of swallowing, bold voices, or neck masses, it must be seriously recommended and the examination by the ENT specialist a nose.
Causes of head and neck cancer
The use of tobacco and alcohol is the most common cause of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx and tongue.
In adulthood that does not use cigarettes and alcoholic beverages human Papilloma virus can cause throat cancer.
Exposed to the Sun for a long time can cause cancer of the lips and skin.
Remember that with early detection, most head and neck cancers are treatable, so seeing the warning signs, immediately to see a doctor.