Diagnosis5 min read
बायोप्सी टेस्ट (Biopsy Test) in Hindi: कैसे किया जाता है और क्यों जरूरी है
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
+917795060087
Call Us
Head & Neck Cancer
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
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
Diagnosis5 min read
एमआरआई क्या होता है (MRI Kya Hota Hai): कब और क्यों किया जाता है
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Insights5 min read
Real Breast Cancer Survivor Stories of Courage, Hope and Recovery
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
FAQs on Head & Neck Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
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
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon