What are cancers of the head and neck?
The majority of head and neck malignancies originate from cells lining the mucosal membranes of these anatomical areas. The cells of the mucosa are called squamous cells, thus these types of cancer are known as squamous cell carcinomas.
Your body contains mucous membranes.
- nose
- mouth
- throat
- larynx
Other head and neck cancers are less common. These include cancers that start in the salivary glands and sinuses. You can be sure of a correct diagnosis and the right treatment by talking to the Best Head & Neck Cancer Specialist in Marine Lines.
What causes cancers of the head and neck and who’s at risk?
A recent study found that 73% of head and neck cancers in the US are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact. It's important to remember that most people who have HPV don't know they have it because it doesn't usually cause any symptoms.
Both men and women can get head and neck cancers from HPV infections. HPV is only responsible for oropharyngeal cancers, even though it can be found in many other types of head and neck cancers.Talking to the Best Head & Neck Cancer Specialist in Marine Lines will make sure that you get a quick diagnosis and the right treatment.
Alcohol and tobacco are the other two primary causes of head and neck cancers.
Here are a few more risk factors:
- chewing betel quid, which is common in the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.
- possessing the Epstein-Barr virus
- Being a man
- being over forty years old
- being exposed to wood dust, asbestos, and other materials at work
How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?
A doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order various tests in order to diagnose head and neck cancer. The following are a few tests used to identify this kind of cancer:
- Endoscopy
- imaging tests, including PET, MRI, and ultrasound
- Barium swallow combined with an X-ray or CT scan to check for cancer in the throat and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract
- biopsy
- Tumor biomarker testing
How are head and neck cancers treated?
Your cancer's course of treatment will depend on:
- The kind of tumor
- its stage
- Your age and overall health
- Your inclinations
The following are the most popular forms of treatment for cancers of the head and neck:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation treatment
- Targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
Best Head & Neck Cancer Specialists in Marine Lines might also recommend that you enrol in their clinical research. By participating in a clinical trial, patients can receive access to new and innovative therapies that would otherwise not be available to them.