Head and neck cancers are cancers that affect the soft tissues of your throat, mouth, and nose. Flemington head and neck cancers are treated by experienced experts who use innovative new treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to treat head and neck cancers.
What are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers usually start from the squamous cell, lining moist mucosal surfaces of the nose, mouth, and throat. These cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Types of head and neck cancers are laryngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, paranasal sinus, oropharyngeal cancer, oral cavity and lip cancer, and metastatic squamous neck cancer. Other times the head and neck cancers can also start in the salivary gland, but it is not common; however, the salivary gland consists of many different cells that can be cancerous, thus leading to the development of many different types of salivary gland cancers.
What Are the Causes of Head and Neck Cancers?
In most cases, tobacco products and alcohol consumption are some of the risks that predispose one to develop head and neck cancers. Whereby 75% or more of the squamous cell carcinomas develop from consumption of the above substances. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and snuff are common causes of head and neck cancers; however, tobacco and alcohol are not risk factors for developing salivary gland cancers. Other risk factors for head and neck cancers include missing teeth, radiation exposure, salted or preserved foods, betel leaves, poor oral hygiene, and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Additionally, infection with various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV16) is also a potential risk for head and neck cancers. This virus can cause oropharyngeal cancers involving the base of your neck and tongue.
What Symptoms Do Head and Neck Cancers Cause?
Symptoms of head and neck cancers may include hoarseness, ear pain, chronic sore throat, lump or swelling, difficulty in swallowing, treatment-resistant sinus infection, frequent headaches, change in voice, nose bleeding, and unusual pain or bleeding of the mouth. One can also note red or white patches on the lining of your mouth, gums, or tongue. It is encouraged that you get a prompt and accurate diagnosis for head and neck cancers because some of the symptoms could be due to other numerous conditions.
What Are the Treatment Options Available for Head and Neck Cancers?
For effective treatment of head and neck cancers, a combination of approaches including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy are often used. The specialists begin by preparing a treatment program that addresses the specific type of head and neck cancer diagnosed. The treatment plan also considers the extent to which cancer has spread together with your current health status and age. Experts also offer radiation oncology treatments in the same building as the infusion suite to ensure you receive comprehensive care conveniently. Patients who are diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer and are HPV- positive are treated differently from those with the same cancer but are HPV- negative.
Suppose you or someone close to you is diagnosed with head and neck cancers; visit Hunterdon Hematology Oncology LLC today since they have opened a clinical trial for patients with this type of cancer. You can also visit their offices or call them to book an appointment to receive your treatment.