Nutrition5 min read
Spirulina Biotic Powder: Benefits, Nutrition Facts and Its Role in Cancer Nutrition
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Cancer care
Head & Neck Cancer
Overview
What is Head & Neck Cancer?
This group of cancers begins in the tissues of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, or salivary glands—usually as squamous cell carcinoma. They often share common risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol, and HPV infection. Early detection can prevent major disfigurement and loss of function
Head & Neck Cancer Cancer Types
Oral cancer
- Begins in the mouth (lips, tongue, gums, inner cheek, roof or floor of the mouth).
Oropharyngeal cancer
- Starts in the back of the mouth, including the base of the tongue, tonsils, and the walls of the throat.
Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Found in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Hypopharyngeal cancer
- Develops in the lower part of the throat around the voice box.
Laryngeal cancer
- Affects the voice box or larynx, which is important for talking and breathing
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
- Starts inside the nose or in air-filled spaces near the nose.
Salivary gland cancer
- Begins in the glands that make saliva in the mouth and throat.
Tonsil cancer
- Occurs in the tonsils at the back of the throat.
Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms
Non-healing ulcers or growths in the mouth Painful or painless lesions lasting over 2 weeks
What’s Notable
- Many early symptoms are painless - especially in tobacco users
- Men are more commonly affected, especially over age 40
When to Seek Help
If symptoms like a sore that doesn’t heal, hoarseness, or a neck lump last beyond 2 weeks — especially if you smoke or drink — consult a head and neck specialist early. Timely evaluation improves treatment success.
Head & Neck Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Tobacco use
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and using chewing tobacco or betel quid is linked to about 75–85% of head and neck cancers
Alcohol consumption
Drinking heavily or often, especially along with tobacco, increases risk several-fold
HPV infection
Human papillomavirus, especially types 16 and 18, is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
This virus raises the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and some salivary gland cancers.
Prolonged sun exposure
UV rays can cause skin and lip cancers
Poor oral health
Untreated gum disease, missing teeth, and poor hygiene increase the chance of mouth cancers
Unhealthy diet
Low intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins A/B, and high salt-cured or processed meat increase risk
Occupational exposures
Jobs with frequent contact with wood dust, asbestos, formaldehyde, paint fumes, or metal chemicals raise risk
Age and Gender
Risk rises after age 40 and is more common in men
Lowered immunity & genetic syndromes
Weakened immune systems (transplants, HIV/AIDS) and inherited conditions like Fanconi anemia increase risk
Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Step 1: Physical Examination (If you notice persistent ulcers, hoarseness, or neck lumps)
What happens:
- Doctor examines your mouth, throat, and neck.
- Your role: Share all symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history.
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
- Purpose
- Kills cancer cells or sensitizes them to radiation
- Common drugs
- Cisplatin, Carboplatin, 5-FU
- Side Effects
- Nausea, fatigue, low blood counts
- Note
- Used concurrently with radiation or as palliative treatment
Targeted Therapy
- Purpose
- Blocks growth signals in cancer cells
- Common drugs
- Cetuximab (targets EGFR)
- Side effects
- Skin rash, low magnesium, infusion reactions
- Note
- Useful when standard chemo isn't suitable
Immunotherapy
- Purpose
- Harnesses immune system to attack cancer
- Common drugs
- Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab
- Side effects
- Fatigue, rash, organ inflammation
- Note
- For advanced PD-L1+ cases or recurrence after treatment
Management & Prevention
Rehabilitation & Recovery
- Speech and swallowing therapy help restore vital functions affected by surgery or radiation.
Nutrition & Healing
- Customized diets support recovery from chewing or swallowing difficulties.
Ongoing Monitoring
- Regular follow-ups to track healing and check for recurrence
Why Choose Everhope For Head & Neck Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
- 930K
- global deaths in 2022
- 460K
- new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2022
- 200K
- cases in India in 2024
Explore Our Latest Updates
Education5 min read
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Uses, Benefits and Antioxidant Properties
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Questions
FAQs on Head & Neck Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Is Head and Neck Cancer completely curable?
Head and neck cancers can be cured, especially when found early and treated before they spread. Cure rates are highest for localized cancers. Advanced cases are harder to cure but treatment can help control the disease and improve quality of life
What are HPV-positive head and neck cancers?
HPV-positive head and neck cancers are tumors caused by human papillomavirus (mainly HPV-16). They usually occur in the back of the throat and tonsils, affect younger people, and respond better to treatment with higher survival rates than non-HPV cancers.
Can we speak or eat normally after head and neck cancer treatment?
Some people experience changes in speech or swallowing after surgery or radiotherapy, but many recover these abilities with help from speech therapists and nutrition experts. Most patients find eating and talking easier as side effects improve over time
Are there any side effects after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment?
Yes, possible side effects include dry mouth, taste changes, swallowing problems, changes in voice, fatigue, and skin irritation. Long-term effects may include dental issues or limited jaw movement, but supportive care and therapy can help manage these issues
What’s the survival rate for head and neck cancer?
Survival rates depend on cancer type and stage. Five-year survival for all head and neck cancers is around 60%; it’s higher for laryngeal cancer (63%) and lower for oral cavity and hypopharyngeal cancer (about 49–50%)
Where can I book an Appointment for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment?
Appointments for head and neck cancer care are available at Everhope Oncology’s centers in Gurgaon, with easy web and phone booking, private treatment suites, and a full team of expert doctors. To get started, visit the Everhope Oncology website, or call +91 7950 60087
Find a Hospital Near You
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Ghatkopar West
Silver Point, 7th Floor, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Andheri West
2nd Floor, New Link Road, above Axis Bank, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Thane
Ground Floor, Amber Arcade, below Waviker Eye Institute, Majiwada, Thane 400601
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Chembur
6th Floor, 604 Business Point, DK Sandu Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400071
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Vashi
Clinic 51, 4th Floor, Shanti Center, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400703
Mon to Sat, 11:30am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Charni Road
9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 15 Mathew Road, Opera House, Charni Road (East), Mumbai 400004
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SRCC Hospital, Haji Ali
1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
Rajpath Rangoli Road, behind Rajpath Club, off S.G. Highway, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad 380059
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 65)
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road
Mon to Sat, 8am to 8pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 14)
Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Anamika Enclave, Sector 14
Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Belgaum
9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgaum 590016
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs