CONDITIONS
Head and neck cancers arise in the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, the nose and the paranasal sinuses. They are closely linked to smoking, alcohol and the HPV virus, and when diagnosed early they are treated with very good results.
Where they occur
Most are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the mucous membrane lining these organs. 44 % arise in the oral cavity, 31 % in the larynx and 25 % in the pharynx.
| Site | What it includes | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Oral cavity | Lips, tongue, gums, palate, inner surfaces of the mouth. | 44 % |
| Larynx | Vocal cords and the surrounding area. | 31 % |
| Pharynx | Nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx. The oropharynx is particularly linked to HPV. | 25 % |
| Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses | The nose and the sinuses around it. | rare |
Risk factors
- Smoking the main cause, 5 to 25 times higher risk
- Alcohol excessive consumption, especially together with smoking, multiplies the risk
- HPV virus particularly associated with cancers of the oropharynx
- Chemicals wood dust, asbestos and other harmful substances at work
- Oral hygiene poor hygiene contributes to the risk
- Diet insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables
Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the site. Any of the following, especially when it persists for more than three weeks, should lead you to a medical assessment, imaging and, if necessary, biopsy.
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck, the throat or the skin
- Growths in the oral cavity
- Changes in the voice or hoarseness
- Persistent bad breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the ear or the neck
- Nosebleeds and persistent nasal obstruction
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination
Checking for lumps, sores that do not heal, changes in the voice.
- Endoscopy
Examination of the larynx, the pharynx and areas that are not directly accessible.
- Imaging
CT or MRI and PET scan to map the area and the extent of the disease.
- Biopsy
Tissue sampling and histological analysis, with HPV testing where relevant.
- Blood tests
General health and markers, before treatment planning.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the site, the stage and the patient’s general health, and often combines more than one method. Modern chemotherapy and radiotherapy give better results with milder side effects.
Prevention
Head and neck cancers are largely prevented by simple changes in everyday habits.
- Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol
- Vaccination against the HPV virus
- A healthy diet with fruit and vegetables
- Regular and careful oral hygiene, with an annual dental check-up
- Protection from harmful substances at work
Your care at the 4th Oncology Clinic
Every case is discussed at the Clinic’s tumour board, where medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists jointly design the personalised treatment plan. Our patients have access to new treatments through the Clinical Trials Centre and, where there is a family history, to genetic counselling. Meet our team or contact us for an appointment.
Book an appointment
Appointments: 210 48 09 150, 210 48 09 160
Daily 08:00 to 16:00
oncology.clinic4@gmail.com