5 Min Read
Head and neck cancer may not be the most common type of cancer, but for those it affects, the impact can be life-changing. These cancers occur in areas we often take for granted, such as our mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. Because these regions are essential for speaking, eating, breathing, and even showing expressions, the consequences of late diagnosis can be significant.
The good news? With awareness, timely medical attention, and modern treatment options, many people go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after treatment. At Manipal Hospital Baner, we have seen how early detection and the right medical guidance can make a remarkable difference.
Synopsis
What Is Head and Neck Cancer?
In simple terms, head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces inside the head and neck area. These are not a single disease but a set of conditions affecting different parts of this region.
Common types include:
-
Oral cavity cancer – affecting the lips, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks.
-
Laryngeal cancer – starting in the voice box.
-
Oropharyngeal cancer – involving the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue.
-
Nasopharyngeal cancer – found behind the nose in the upper throat.
-
Salivary gland tumours – affecting glands that produce saliva.
-
Paranasal sinus cancers – occurring in the hollow areas around the nose.
Understanding which part of the head or neck is affected helps doctors choose the most suitable treatment plan.
What Causes Head and Neck Cancer?
While cancer can sometimes occur without a clear cause, several well-known risk factors have been linked to head and neck cancer:
-
Tobacco use – whether smoked or chewed- remains the biggest risk factor.
-
Excessive alcohol consumption – often working in combination with tobacco to increase risk.
-
HPV and EBV infections – certain viral infections are linked to throat and nasopharyngeal cancers.
-
Occupational hazards – inhalation of wood dust, asbestos, or specific chemicals in some work environments.
-
Poor oral hygiene – long-term neglect of oral health can contribute to cancer risk.
-
Family history – genetic predisposition in some individuals.
Being aware of these causes is the first step towards prevention.
Early Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
One of the challenges with head and neck cancer is that early symptoms can be subtle and often mistaken for less serious conditions. Paying attention to persistent or unusual changes is crucial.
Symptoms may include:
-
A sore throat that doesn’t go away.
-
Hoarseness or change in voice.
-
Non-healing ulcers in the mouth.
-
Red or white patches inside the mouth.
-
Pain or difficulty when swallowing.
-
Lump in the neck or jaw.
-
Unexplained nosebleeds or nasal blockage.
-
Persistent ear pain.
If you notice any of these for more than two weeks, it’s time to get checked by a specialist.
A Real-Life Story of Hope
When 54-year-old Mr. Ramesh (name changed for privacy) from Pune first noticed a small sore on his tongue, he didn’t think much of it. He assumed it was a minor ulcer and tried home remedies. Weeks turned into months, and the sore grew painful. His voice also became slightly hoarse, but he ignored it, thinking it was due to the weather.
It wasn’t until his daughter insisted on taking him to Manipal Hospital Baner for a check-up that he discovered the sore was an early-stage oral cavity cancer. The diagnosis shocked the family, but the medical team quickly assured them that the condition was treatable because it had been caught early.
Mr. Ramesh underwent surgery followed by targeted radiation therapy. With the guidance of the head and neck cancer specialists and support from his family, he made a full recovery. Today, he’s back to enjoying his favourite foods, speaking confidently, and raising awareness in his community about the importance of early screening.
His journey is a powerful reminder that early detection can truly save lives.
Is Head and Neck Cancer Curable?
The simple answer is yes, it often can be, especially when diagnosed early. Early-stage cancers can frequently be treated successfully with surgery, radiation, or a combination of therapies. For more advanced cases, treatment may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy alongside surgery or radiation.
Survival rates are significantly higher when the disease is detected before it spreads, which is why timely consultation is so vital.
How Doctors Determine the Stage
Staging is an important step in treatment planning. The TNM system is commonly used:
-
T – size of the primary tumour.
-
N – spread to nearby lymph nodes.
-
M – metastasis or spread to other parts of the body.
Advanced imaging, such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET-CT scans, helps doctors understand the full picture before recommending a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancer
Modern cancer care offers several approaches, often used in combination to achieve the best outcome:
Surgery
Removes the cancerous tissue and, where possible, preserves function and appearance. Minimally invasive surgical methods may be used for faster recovery.
Radiation Therapy
Uses focused high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It can be a standalone treatment for smaller tumors or combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Involves cancer-fighting drugs that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted Therapy
Attacks specific molecules that help cancer cells grow, reducing damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy
Boosts the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
The choice of treatment depends on the tumor’s type, stage, and location, and the patient’s overall health.
Prevention Is Always Better
While not all cases are preventable, many can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices:
-
Quit tobacco in all forms.
-
Limit alcohol consumption.
-
Get vaccinated against HPV.
-
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Protect yourself from harmful workplace exposures.
Conclusion
Head and neck cancer is a serious condition, but it’s not without hope. Knowledge, vigilance, and timely medical intervention can change the course of this disease. Whether it’s a persistent sore in the mouth or a lingering change in voice, it’s worth getting checked because waiting can cost more than just time.
The story of Mr. Ramesh proves that even when cancer appears, early action can turn the tide in your favour. The most important step is not ignoring symptoms and trusting your care to experienced specialists.
If you or someone you know has symptoms suggestive of head and neck cancer, seeking prompt evaluation from a qualified head and neck cancer specialist can make all the difference. Book an appointment today!
FAQ's
Common symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, non-healing mouth sores, and unexplained weight loss.
The main causes are tobacco, alcohol, HPV or EBV infections, poor oral hygiene, and prolonged exposure to harmful substances.
Yes, early-stage cancers often have a high cure rate with timely treatment such as surgery and radiation therapy.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
A multidisciplinary team, including an ENT surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and other cancer specialists, manages treatment.
Share this article on:
