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Head and Neck Cancer
More than 55,000 Americans will develop cancer of the head and neck each year. The areas involved can include the skin of the face and neck, nose, tongue, tonsils, throat, larynx, esophagus, thyroid or salivary glands. As many as 90 percent of head and neck cancers occur after prolonged exposure to tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Removing these risks factors early on can potentially prevent cancer from occurring. You should know the possible signs and symptoms so that medical attention can be sought since cancer of the head and neck is potentially curable if found early.
Symptoms of head and neck cancer to be aware of include:
A lump in the neck. Cancers in the head or neck region usually spread to local lymph nodes in the neck before they spread elsewhere. A lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks without a history of infection should be seen by a physician as soon as possible since this can be the first sign of cancer.
Change in the voice ( hoarseness). Most cancers in the larynx cause a change in the voice. An otolaryngologist should evaluate any hoarseness or other voice change lasting more than two weeks.
A growth in the mouth. Most cancers of the mouth or tongue cause a sore or swelling that doesn't go away. If this is accompanied by lumps in the neck, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Swallowing problems. Cancer of the throat or esophagus may cause swallowing problems.
Changes in the skin. The most common head and neck cancer is basal cell cancer of the skin (70% of all skin cancers). These can appear on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, face, and ears. Basal cell cancer often begins as a small, pale patch or bump that enlarges slowly, producing a central dimple and eventually an ulcer. Other kinds of skin cancer include squamous cell cancer and malignant melanoma. If there is a sore or ulcer on the lip, nose, face, or ear that does not heal, this could be squamous cell cancer and you should consult a physician. Malignant melanoma classically presents as a blue-black discoloration of the skin that changes in size, shape and color. It is the most dangerous of all the skin cancers because it can spread to other sites of the body. Early treatment of all skin cancer is absolutely necessary for the best possible cure.
Treatment of all head and neck cancers usually involves a biopsy to identify the type of cancer. CT scan or MRI is usually ordered as well for further evaluation. Surgery is the most common form of treatment to remove the cancer, however, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be used with surgery to improve cure rates.