#WeCanICan

Head & Neck CANCER Home / Head & Neck Cancer

Awareness

57.5% of the global burden of Head & Neck cancers occur in Asia, especially India. Head & Neck cancers account for 30% of all cancers in India compared to 3% in USA

Most important and prevalent cancers in Indian males, third most prevalent cancers in Indian women

Risk Factors:

  • Intimately related with tobacco, Areca nut & alcohol consumption.
  • HPV infection.
  • Continuous dental trauma due to sharp teeth, ill-fitting crowns or dentures.
  • Symptoms
  • Prevention
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Symptoms

  • White or red patches in the mouth.
  • Pain or difficulty in chewing, swallowing or speaking
  • Hoarseness of voice lasting beyond a couple of weeks.
  • Swelling of the jaw, mouth or neck lump
  • Loosening of teeth or sharp teeth causing trauma
  • Ill-fitting dentures with ulceration
  • Oral Bleeding
  • Persistent oral ulcers

Prevention

The most effective prevention strategy is to stop consumption of Tobacco, Areca nut & Alcohol.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Early Diagnosis

In India, 60-80 % of patients present with advanced disease compared to 40% in developed countries.

The prognosis of the cancers detected at an earlier stage is better than that of advanced cancers.

Oral visual screening can reduce mortality in high-risk individuals and has the potential of preventing at least 37 000 oral cancer deaths worldwide

Treatment

  • Appropriate and individualized treatment crucial.
  • Surgical advances enable effective treatment at all stages.
  • Reconstructive efforts play a critical role in restoring function and aesthetics.
  • Multi-disciplinary management has resulted in vastly improved outcomes
  • Rehabilitation crucial for restoring vital functions such as food intake, chewing, swallowing and speech.

Testimonials

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I am at risk
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