What Are Head and Neck Cancers? Diagnosis and Treatment

What Are Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers include malignant tumors that develop in anatomical regions such as the mouth, lips, tongue, cheek mucosa, nose, sinuses, pharynx (throat), larynx, tonsils, thyroid, and salivary glands, excluding specialized areas such as the brain, eyes, and spine (vertebrae). They are particularly common in tissues along the upper respiratory and digestive tracts.

What Causes Head and Neck Cancers?

The most significant risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use. Especially when used together, they significantly increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, HPV (human papillomavirus) infection may play a role in cancers of the mouth and throat. EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) may also play a role in nasopharyngeal and salivary gland cancers. Chemical exposure (e.g., wood dust, formaldehyde), certain occupational risks, genetic predisposition, and poor oral hygiene are also risk factors.

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. The most common symptoms are:

Persistent mouth sores or sores on the lips
Prolonged hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing or pain in the throat
A lump or swelling in the neck that can be felt
Persistent ear pain on one side
Bad breath, bleeding in the mouth
Rapid weight loss and general weakness

Who is at risk for head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 4-5% of all cancers. They are more common in men and are usually diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. The most common types are oral, laryngeal, and pharyngeal cancers.

How are head and neck cancers treated?

The first step in the treatment of head and neck cancers is usually surgery. Depending on the location and stage of the tumor and the patient's overall health, surgery may be followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs. While complete recovery is possible with surgery in early-stage tumors, combined treatments are used in advanced stages. Treatment is planned individually for each patient.

What Precautions Should Be Taken to Prevent Head and Neck Cancer?

To reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer, it is essential to take certain precautions and make changes to your lifestyle. The following measures should be taken:

Completely quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Get vaccinated against HPV
Maintain regular dental and oral hygiene
Workers exposed to chemicals should take appropriate protective measures
Eat a balanced diet and maintain a strong immune system
Consult a doctor immediately if you have persistent mouth, throat, or ear problems

Frequently Asked Questions About Head and Neck Cancers

How Often Should Follow-ups Be Performed for Head and Neck Cancers?

Regular follow-ups are essential after head and neck cancer treatment. For this purpose, follow-ups should be performed every three months for the first two years after treatment, every six months between two and five years, and once a year thereafter. Follow-up includes physical examination, imaging methods (PET, MRI), laboratory tests, and biopsy if necessary. During this process, the patient must quit smoking and drinking alcohol completely.
However, since the frequency of follow-up is planned according to the patient, the patient should take into account the recommendations of their physician.

How Can the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer Be Reduced?

To reduce the risk of head and neck cancer, it is essential to take certain precautions and make changes to your lifestyle. The necessary steps can be listed as follows:

Completely quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Get vaccinated against HPV
Maintain regular dental and oral hygiene
Take appropriate protective measures when working with chemicals
Eat a balanced diet and keep your immune system strong
Consult a doctor immediately if you have persistent mouth, throat, or ear problems

How Can People Who Have Had Head and Neck Cancer Reduce Their Risk of Developing a Second New Cancer?

These individuals are at risk of both recurrence in the same area and developing a new cancer in other areas, especially if they continue to smoke. To reduce this risk: Quitting tobacco and alcohol completely, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, not missing doctor's appointments, and paying attention to oral and throat hygiene are of vital importance. Especially when smoking is not quit, the risk of a second primary cancer increases significantly.

Can cancer develop in the lips and mouth? What are the symptoms?

Yes, cancer can develop in the lips and mouth. Lip cancer typically presents as a sore. Persistent cold sore-like lesions, non-healing ulcers, and gradually enlarging sores may be early signs of oral cancer. Since it is in a visible area, it is often detected early.

What are the symptoms of cancer in the larynx and throat area?

The most prominent symptom of laryngeal cancer is prolonged hoarseness. In addition, difficulty swallowing, throat pain, and a lump in the neck are also important findings. Prolonged voice changes, especially in smokers, should be taken seriously.

How does tobacco and alcohol use affect the risk of head and neck cancer?

Tobacco and alcohol separately increase the risk of head and neck cancer. However, when used together, this risk increases exponentially. In addition, certain viral infections such as HPV (human papilloma virus) are also significant risk factors, especially for mouth and throat cancers.

Can Ear Pain Be a Symptom of Cancer?

Yes, persistent ear pain can be a symptom of cancer. In particular, persistent pain in one ear may be a symptom of nasopharyngeal (nasal cavity) cancer. It should be carefully evaluated when accompanied by hearing loss.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.