Head & Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers include cancers of the oral cavity (mouth and tongue), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, and sinuses. India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world, driven largely by tobacco chewing, smoking, areca nut (supari), and alcohol use. Most head and neck cancers are curable when found early.

Common signs and symptoms

• A mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal within three weeks
• A white or red patch inside the mouth
• A lump in the neck
• Persistent hoarseness of voice or sore throat
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing or chewing

Diagnosis

Evaluation includes a thorough clinical examination, endoscopic assessment of the throat where needed, biopsy of the suspicious area, and imaging (CT, MRI, or PET-CT) to determine the extent of disease.

Treatment

Early-stage disease is usually treated with surgery or radiation alone. More advanced cancers need combined treatment, planned jointly by surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists. The medical oncology component may include:

• Chemotherapy given with radiation (chemoradiation) — to enhance the effect of radiotherapy, either as primary treatment or after surgery
• Induction chemotherapy — before definitive treatment in selected situations
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy — for recurrent or metastatic disease

Stopping tobacco and areca nut at any point improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of new cancers — support for quitting is part of good cancer care.