Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a complex disease that begins in the tissues and organs in the head and neck area.1 Most HNCs start in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the nose, mouth, and throat – generally, these types of cancer are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas.2

As with other types of cancer, early intervention for head and neck cancers is crucial for the patient’s successful recovery. Head and neck cancer prevention starts with the awareness of the diseases, knowing the risks and symptoms associated with the cancers, and the available screening and treatment options.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about head and neck cancers:

What are the types of head and neck cancers?

The types of head and neck cancers1 are classified according to the part of the body where they develop.

  • Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common types of head and neck It begins in the larynx, the organ responsible for breathing, speaking (sound production), and swallowing. The larynx, often called the voice box or glottis, is located on top of the trachea (windpipe).
  • Hypopharyngeal cancer occurs in the hypopharynx (gullet), which is the bottom part of the throat (pharynx) and surrounds the
  • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers are the types of head and neck cancers that may begin in the nasal cavity, which is the space behind the nose where air passes on its way to the throat. They may also start in the paranasal sinuses or the air-filled areas that surround the nasal
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat that lies behind the
  • Oral and oropharyngeal cancers begin in the mouth or tongue, or the middle of the throat (oropharynx), extending from the tonsils to the top of the
  • Salivary gland cancer occurs in the salivary glands, which produce most of the saliva in the mouth that is essential for lubricating the mouth, protecting the teeth against bacteria, helping in swallowing, and breaking down

What are the risk factors of head and neck cancers?

The two most significant risk factors for head and neck cancers are frequent or heavy alcohol consumption and high tobacco use (including smoking cigarettes, secondhand smoking, and smokeless tobacco). 2 People heavily using both alcohol and tobacco are at greater risk of developing these cancers. 2

Apart from the two, there are also other causes of head and neck cancer, including:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) – people with HPV infection are at risk of oropharyngeal cancers that involve the tonsils or the base of the tongue.2 While HPV can also be a risk factor in other head and neck cancers, it is identified as the cause of cancer formation in the oropharynx.2

Epstein-Barr virus infection – people with Epstein-Barr virus infection are at risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and salivary glands cancer.2

Underlying genetic disorders – people with genetic conditions, such as Fanconi anemia, can have an increased risk of developing precancerous lesions and cancers early in life.2

Sun exposure – excessive exposure to sunlight can increase people’s risk of lip cancer (a type of oral cancer).1

Occupational exposure – people working in industries such as construction, metal, logging, ceramic, and food can have an increased risk of laryngeal cancer2; people exposed to wood dust, nickel dust, or formaldehyde are at greater risk of developing nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers. In addition, wood dust exposure is also a risk factor for cancer of the nasopharynx.2

What are common head and neck cancer symptoms?

The most common head and neck cancer symptoms are a lump in the neck, swelling, or a sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal or respond to an antibiotic. Other symptoms include pain when swallowing, and voice changes or hoarseness.1

Listed below are some of the symptoms of head and neck cancers in specific areas: 2

Oral Cavity

  • white or red patch on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth
  • a growth or swelling of the jaw that causes problems with dentures
  • pain or unusual bleeding in the mouth

Throat (Pharynx)

  • pain in the neck, or sore throat that does not go away;
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • hearing problems
  • pain or ringing in the ears

Voicebox (Larynx)

  • Difficulty in speaking or breathing
  • pain when swallowing
  • ear pain

Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity

  • Blocked sinuses that do not clear
  • chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
  • frequent headaches
  • pain in the upper teeth
  • problems with dentures
  • swelling in the eyes
  • bleeding through the nose

Salivary Glands

  • Swelling around the jawbone or under the chin
  • numbness or paralysis of the face muscles
  • pain in the face, chin, or neck that that does not go away

Most of these symptoms can also be caused by other, less severe conditions; therefore, it is essential to consult with a doctor when a person experiences these symptoms.2

What are the available tests used to diagnose head and neck cancers?

If a person experiences head and neck cancer symptoms, the physician will use a range of tests and tools to diagnose the patient’s condition accurately. There is a wide range of tests used for head and neck cancer diagnosis3, including:

  • Physical examination
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Biomarker Testing
  • X-ray/Barium Swallow
  • Panoramic Radiograph
  • Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scan
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Bone Scan

The doctor determines the diagnostic test or tools to be used depending on the patient’s suspected type of cancer, symptoms, age, general health, as well as the results of their earlier medical tests.3

How are head and neck cancers treated?

Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy are the available treatment options for head and neck cancer in the Philippines.2 Doctors use one or a combination of treatments for a patient, depending on several factors: stage of cancer, location of the tumor, and the patient’s age, medical history, and general health.2

Where to get more information for cancer awareness?

Patients and their families will have more questions regarding the illness they were diagnosed with as well as questions about the cancer journey. Of course, they would want to have answers to their questions to navigate the cancer journey successfully.

Consulting with their doctors is the first thing they must do to get answers to their queries. Moreover, they can also look through local initiatives like MSD’s Hope From Within and their Cancer Game Plan PH campaign to gather more informational resources to help them fight cancer.

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