Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune
Head and neck cancer is linked to a disease that affects the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. These cancers are relatively uncommon, accounting for around 4% of all cancers in the United States. However, they can be aggressive and life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
Causes
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco expose the mouth and throat to carcinogens, leading to mutations that can cause cancer. Secondhand smoke also increases the risk.
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Chronic heavy drinking irritates the cells in the mouth and throat, making them more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents, especially when combined with smoking.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): High-risk strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, are significant contributors to oropharyngeal cancers by causing cellular changes in the infected areas.
Types
- Oral cavity cancer (lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, cheeks)
- Pharyngeal cancer (throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx)
- Laryngeal cancer (voice box)
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
Symptoms
- A lump or thickening in the neck, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- A change or hoarseness in the voice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent ear pain
- Bleeding from the mouth or nose
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use (smoking and chewing)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Exposure to certain chemicals or substances (e.g., asbestos, wood dust)
- Family history of head and neck cancer
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical examination
- Endoscopy (using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the throat and larynx)
- Biopsy (removing a small tissue sample for examination)
- Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
Stages
Head and neck cancers are typically staged from 0 to IV, with higher stages indicating more advanced disease. The stage is determined by the size and location of the primary tumour, the involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body.
Treatments
Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune provide advanced Treatments at the renowned Facesurgery Clinic. Their specialized team utilizes surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to combat various head and neck cancers effectively.
- Chemotherapy (using drugs to destroy cancer cells)
- A combination of these treatments may be used, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Common asked questions
Yes, head and neck cancer is often curable, especially when detected early. With the expertise of the Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune, many patients can be successfully treated through a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and timely treatment by experienced specialists are crucial for better outcomes.
Some common warning signs of head and neck cancer include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump or thickening in the neck, hoarseness or changes in voice, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult one of the Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
The primary cause of head and neck cancer is tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and prolonged exposure to certain industrial substances. If you are concerned about your risk factors, it’s advisable to seek guidance from the Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune.
If head and neck cancer is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat and potentially life-threatening. Untreated head and neck cancer can also cause severe pain, difficulty eating and breathing, and other debilitating symptoms. Seeking prompt treatment from the Best Doctors For Head And Neck Cancer Treatment In Pune is crucial for improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
