Overview
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth (oral cavity), tongue, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands and sinuses. India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world because of gutka, khaini, bidi and paan chewing. Most start as a visible white or red patch or a non-healing ulcer — which is why a dentist or doctor can catch them early.
Symptoms of head & neck cancer
- A mouth ulcer or patch that does not heal within 3 weeks
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent sore throat
- Hoarse voice lasting more than 3 weeks
- A lump in the neck
- Loose teeth, difficulty opening the mouth, ear pain on one side
Risk factors
- Tobacco in any form — smoking and especially chewing (gutka, khaini, paan)
- Alcohol, particularly combined with tobacco
- HPV infection (oropharyngeal cancer)
- Poor oral hygiene, sharp teeth causing chronic irritation
Diagnosis
Clinical examination and endoscopy of the throat, followed by biopsy. CT or MRI of the head and neck stages the primary tumour; PET-CT checks for spread. HPV testing is done for throat cancers because it affects prognosis.
Treatment at Shichim Oncocare
Early cancers are cured with surgery or radiotherapy alone. Advanced cancers need combinations — surgery followed by chemoradiation, or chemoradiation as the main treatment to preserve the voice box. Recurrent or metastatic disease is treated with immunotherapy, cetuximab and chemotherapy. Shichim Oncocare delivers weekly concurrent chemotherapy and palliative regimens as day-care, with nutrition and swallowing support.