Head & Neck Cancer usually refers to the squamous cells that forms in the lining of the mucosal and moist surfaces inside a person's head and neck. The Head & Neck cancer can also sometimes form inside the salivary glands although it is uncommon.
The month of April is known for its awareness of Head & Neck Cancer. It is indicated by a burgundy/ivory cancer ribbon.
Medication Information for treating Head & Neck Cancer
This cancer type accounts to around 4% of all cancer cases and is twice as likely to occur in men than women. Many types of Head & Neck Cancers can be cured if found in its earlier stages.
The type of the Head & Neck Cancers are named by the areas or regions that they first form in, namely:
1. Oral Cavity and Pharynx
Oral Cavity Cancer forms in the mouth while Pharynx cancer or Oropharyngeal Cancer forms in the oropharynx – a part of the throat behind the mouth.
Most cancers that form here are known as squamous cell carcinoma but other tumours and benign growth can also form.
The average age group for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer is between 41-60 years and more than 60 years. Young people also have a small chance of developing this cancer.
The type of tumours can be categorised into 3 categories:
• Cancer tumours that are capable of growing and spreading to nearby tissues and different parts of the body
• Benign growths that are do not grow and spread into nearby tissues and other parts of the body. These are also non-cancerous
• And, pre-cancerous-conditions that are initially harmless but may become cancerous if not treated
2. Larynx
Larynx Cancer or Laryngeal Cancer forms in the larynx (lower part of the throat). The treatment of this cancer depends on which section of the larynx it formed in namely, Glottis that contains the voice box, Subglottis which is below the voice box and Supraglottis which is above the voice box and sends down food to the oesophagus.
This cancer is most common in people over the age of 65 years.
The types of cancer cells that can form in the larynx are:
• Squamous cancer cells that start off as pre-cancer called dysplasia and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Some parts of the larynx have tiny glands beneath its lining known as minor salivary glands that make mucus and saliva to lubricate this area. Cancer cells can develop here but are rare.
• Synovial sarcomas cancer cells can develop in the connective tissues of the larynx and cartilage. However, such cancer cells in this section are rare.
• Melanomas cancer cells that can form in the inner surface of the larynx. However, such cancer cells in this section are rare.
3. Nasal cavity and Paranasal sinuses
The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are lined up by a layer known as mucosa which produces mucus tissue. The mucosa is made of different types of cells.
Abnormal cancer cells can form and replace any of the cells that form the mucosa. Each different kind of infected cancerous cell type will have a different growth rate and behaviour.
This cancer type is most likely to form in people over the age of 55 years.
The types of cancer cells that can form in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are:
• Epithelial cells that make up most of the mucosa can form into squamous epithelial cells.
• Glandular cells or minor salivary gland cells can form into adenocarcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, and mucoepidermoid cancers cells.
• Olfactory nerve cells that are responsible for the sense of smell can form into olfactory neuroblastoma cells.
• Some cells that counter infections can form into cancerous lymphocytes cells or can be spread from other parts of the body.
• Cartilage and bone cells can also form into sarcomas or can be spread from other parts of the body.
All the above types of cancer cells require different kinds of treatment.
4. Salivary Glands
Salivary Gland cancer forms in one or more of the salivary glands: parotid, submandibular or sublingual gland. There are also several hundred minor or small forms of salivary glands where the cancer cells can form.
The average age of people with this cancer is 64 years.
The type of tumours that forms in the salivary glands are:
• Benign salivary gland tumours:
These are non-cancerous and are usually not life-threatening. They also do not spread to other parts of the body.
If left untreated for a long period of time, these tumours can become cancerous although that is rare.
There are several different kinds of benign salivary gland tumours such as oncocytomas, adenomas, benign mixed tumours and Warthin tumours
• Malignant salivary gland tumours:
The salivary gland is made up of different kinds of cells. Cancer can form into any of those cells. Such cancerous cells are named on the basis of the cells that they looks like. Based on their abnormality, they are categorised into grades such as:
Grade 1 cancer cells that look to be very similar to normal salivary gland cell. These cells have a slow growth rate.
Grade 2 cancer cells look somewhat similar to normal salivary gland cells and have a faster growth rate than grade 1 cancer cells.
Grade 3 cancer cells are very distinguishable from the normal salivary gland cells and also can grow at a very fast rate.
What are the different symptoms of the Head & Neck Cancer?
It is important to consult a doctor regarding the different symptoms of cancer. The symptoms of the various head & neck cancer types include:
• Oral Cavity Cancer: unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth, swelling in the jaw that causes discomfort and/or red or white coloured patches on the lining of the mouth, tongue or gums
• Pharynx cancer or Oropharyngeal Cancer: Difficulty in breathing, pain/ring/difficulty in hearing and/or recurring headaches
• Larynx Cancer or Laryngeal Cancer: Pain or difficulty when swallowing and/or pain in ears
• Nasal cavity and Paranasal sinuses Cancer: Blocked sinuses, sinus infections that are not being successfully treated with antibiotics, nose bleeds, recurring headaches and/or pain in the upper teeth.
• Salivary Glands Cancer: numb or paralysed muscles of the face, recurring pain in the neck, face or chin and/or swelling in the area around the jawbone or under the chin.
How is Head & Neck Cancer diagnosed?
It is recommended to consult an oncologist on experiencing the first signs of any of the previously mentioned symptoms.
To accurately diagnose the type of extent of the Head & Neck cancer. A doctor would take into consideration the patient's medical history. A physical examination may also be performed alongside other diagnostic tests including the examination of a tissue sample via a microscope.
If the patient is diagnosed with any of the Head & Neck cancer types. The oncologists would determine the extent of the disease or what stage cancer has reached. Determination of the stage cancer has reached may involve x-rays, imaging procedures or laboratory tests.
The oncologist would then proceed to make a treatment plan.