Head and Neck cancer is a common form of cancer in all the countries. Nearly 2 million case are diagnosed every year .Head and Neck cancers includes all the cancers occurring in the ear, nose, throat and oral cavity. Typically the cells linings these organs experience a cancerous growth and affect the entire organ. The most common parts affected are pharynx regions.
In UK only the statistics show approximate a total of 7000 cases per year in England & Wales
Mouth, lip pharynx: 3,600 cases per year
Larynx: 2,000 cases per year
Thyroid: 1,000 cases per year
Salivary: 700 cases per year
Risk Factors for Head & Neck Cancer (excluding thyroid)
Common Symptoms
The signs and symptoms vary with the location of the cancer and the stage of cancer.Head and Neck cancer produces early symptoms leading to diagnosis and a high propability of cure in most of the cases.
General Symptoms are:
Voice Box
Hoarseness of voice 80-90%
Pain on swallowing 30-40%
Difficulty swallowing 30%
Back of Nose
Lump in the neck 80-90%
Nasal obstruction60%
Deafness 50%
Post nasal discharge40-50%
Mouth
Ulceration/swelling 80%
Pain 60%
Lump in the neck20-40%
Upper Throat
Persistent sore throat& 90%
Lump in the neck 80%
Ear ache 80%
Lower Throat
Difficulty swallowing 80%
Ear ache60-70%
Hoarseness of voice50%
Nose
Obstruction/congestion 780-90%
Bleeding70-80%
Thyroid
Thyroid lump 60%
Discomfort in lower neck
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Diagnosis
Extensive examination of the Head and Neck region followed by a series of imaging studies would be required to identify the site and the stage of cancer.