Head and neck cancers: What you need to know

MANILA, Philippines - Head and neck cancers are a worldwide menace. It ranks sixth among the most common malignancies in the world. Although there is a significant decline of the disease in the Philippines because of strong public awareness campaigns and improvement of health facilities, it continues to claim lives as many Filipinos refuse to abstain from smoking and alcohol abuse, which are two of its major causes.

“Cancers of the head and neck region are a collective term for all types of cancer that develops in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces inside the head and neck,” explains Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

“They are classified according to the area of the head or neck in which they grow: paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, larynx, and salivary glands,” he adds.

Risk factors

Aside from alcohol abuse and smoking, chewing of tobacco and betel nut and inhaling of snuff are also linked to the development of head and neck cancers. Other known risk factors include occupational exposure to cancer-causing chemicals like wood dust, asbestos and synthetic fibers, excessive consumption of preserved or salted foods, radiation exposure, and poor oral hygiene.

Old age may also put people at risk of the disease since it is often reported by patients aged 50 and above. Infection of the human papilloma virus (HPV) can also cause cancer of the throat.

Symptoms

Signs of head and neck cancers include a lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks, a sore or swelling inside the mouth that does not heal, a change or hoarseness in the voice, trouble swallowing, blood that appears in the saliva or phlegm, persistent pain in or around the ear, and changes in the skin especially in areas that are more exposed to the sun like the forehead, face and ears.

Treatments

Like other types of cancers, early detection is important for the successful treatment of head and neck cancers. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these procedures.

Rehabilitation therapy may also be needed after treatment, as surgery and other related medical procedures can change a patient’s ability to eat and speak normally. Rehabilitation includes speech therapy, physical therapy and counseling.

Preventive measures

Doctors and other health experts promote a healthy lifestyle as the best way to lower the risk of head and neck cancers. These include abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, wearing of protective facemasks in environments with toxic chemicals and dusts, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Cancer screenings and routine medical check-ups are also recommended, especially for those who have undergone treatment to make sure that the cancer has not returned or a new one has not developed.

Montoya notes that while head and neck cancers can be debilitating, sufferers of the disease can be cured with few side effects when diagnosed and treated early.

MediCard now offers non-invasive early cancer screening as early as stage zero. This cuts treatment costs because of early diagnosis and increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

“Seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if you suspect warning signs. Visit your doctor for regular dental examinations, cancer screenings and physical examination of the head and neck. Practice good health habits, too,” Montoya says.

Early oral, lung, cervical and bladder cancer detection tests are available at MediCard free-standing clinics located in strategic locations nationwide. For more details, call 884-9999. Learn more about its healthcare programs at http://medicardphils.com.