Oral, Head and neck cancer is a cancer that develops in the Larynx, Throat, Lips, Mouth, Nose, Salivary glands or in other areas of the Head and Neck not including Brain cancers or cancers of the Eye.  Most of these cancers are Squamous cell carcinomas.

What Causes Oral, Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancers occur due to prolonged exposure to specific risk factors, such as smoking or chewing betel nut, areca nut, gutkha or excessive alcohol abuse, having radiation therapy to the Head and Neck area in the past, Viruses including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to head and neck cancers, Cancer of the lip may be caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight ,Prolonged work place exposure to substances like  asbestos, pesticides, wood dust, paint fumes, etc.  may raise your risk of head and neck cancers.

Symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer depends on the area where the cancer develops and how it spreads, The symptoms include: Lump in your throat, mouth or neck, change in the voice, swallowing problems, persistent earache, frequent coughing, headache, unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth, throat or nose, trouble breathing, white or red patch on your gums, tongue or inside of the mouth, unexplained weight loss etc.

Types of oral, head and neck cancer : There are 5 major types of  Head and Neck cancer, each named according to the part of the body where they develop.

·         Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

·         Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer.

·         Nasopharyngeal cancer. 

·         Oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

·         Salivary gland cancer. 

Diagnosing  Oral, Head and neck cancer includes: Physical examination of oral and nasal cavities, neck, throat and tongue.

Endoscopy: Is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope is used to visualize your nasal cavity, throat, voice box or other areas where you’re experiencing symptoms. An endoscopy may have different names depending on the body part being examined. For example, a Nasal endoscopy helps view your nasal cavity. A laryngoscopy allows view your voice box (Larynx).

Imaging tests such as  Head and neck X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans are done.

Biopsy: Common biopsy methods used to diagnose Head and Neck cancers include fine needle aspiration and Incisional biopsy.

Early Detection of Head and Neck cancer may provide better treatment outcome if symptoms are recognized early and treated timely.