HEAD AND NECK
- devbio
- July 30, 2024
About head and neck cancer
The term “head and neck cancer” refers to a variety of malignant tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth.
Squamous cell carcinomas account for the majority of head and neck cancers. This cancer starts in the flat squamous cells that make up the thin layer of tissue on the surface of the structures in the head and neck. Some areas of the head and neck have a layer of moist tissue called the mucosa directly beneath this lining, which is called the epithelium. Carcinoma in situ refers to a cancer that is only found in the squamous layer of cells.
Carcinoma in situ refers to a cancer that is only found in the squamous layer of cells. If the cancer has spread beyond this cell layer and into deeper tissue, it is referred to as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. If doctors are unable to pinpoint the origin of the cancer, it is referred to as cancer of unknown primary.
Adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, or mucoepidermoid carcinoma are the most common types of head and neck cancer that begin in the salivary glands.
Types of head and neck cancer :
There are 5 main types of head and neck cancer, each named according to the part of the body where they develop.
Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. The larynx is also known as the voice box. This tube-shaped organ in the neck is required for breathing, speaking, and swallowing. It is located at the top of the windpipe, also known as the trachea. The gullet is another name for the hypopharynx. The larynx is surrounded by the lower part of the throat.
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer. The nasal cavity is the area just behind the nose through which air flows on its way to the throat. The air-filled areas that surround the nasal cavity are known as the paranasal sinuses.
Nasopharyngeal cancer. The nasopharynx is the air passageway behind the nose in the upper part of the throat.
Oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma. The oral cavity consists of the mouth and tongue. The oropharynx is the area of the throat between the tonsils and the tip of the voice box.
Salivary gland cancer. Saliva is produced by the salivary gland. Saliva is a fluid that is secreted into the mouth to keep it moist and includes enzymes that begin the breakdown of meals.
Risk Factors :
There are 2 substances that greatly increase the risk of developing a head and neck cancer:
Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk even more.
Prolonged exposure to the sun. This is strongly associated with lip cancer and skin cancer of the head and neck.
Human papillomavirus (HPV). According to research, HPV infection is a risk factor for head and neck cancer. The most common route for someone to get HPV is through sexual contact with someone who has the virus. HPV strains are distinct forms of the virus. Some HPV strains have been linked more strongly to particular forms of cancer, according to research.
Virus Epstein-Barr (EBV). Exposure to EBV, often known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or “mono,” contributes to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Age. People over the age of 40 are more likely to get head and neck cancer.
Poor dental and oral hygiene. Poor oral and dental hygiene may raise the chance of developing head and neck cancer.
Environmental or occupational inhalants. Asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals can all raise a person’s chance of developing head and neck cancer.
Marijuana. According to research, marijuana users may be at a greater risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Nutritional deficiencies. A diet lacking in vitamins A and B can increase a person’s chance of developing head and neck cancer.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Stomach acid reflux into the upper airway and throat may be linked to the development of head and neck cancer.
Weakened immune system. A compromised immune system might increase the chance of developing head and neck cancer.
Exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure has been linked to salivary gland cancer.
Previous history of head and neck cancer. People who have had one head and neck cancer are more likely to acquire another one in the future.
Treatment :
Many head and neck cancers are curable, especially if caught early. Although the major objective of treatment is to eradicate the cancer, it is equally critical to preserve the function of adjacent nerves, organs, and tissues.
The common types of treatments used for head and neck cancer are described below
Surgery :
During surgery, the objective is to remove the malignant tumor as well as some surrounding good tissue. Head and neck cancer surgery options include:
Technology based on lasers. This might be utilized to treat an early-stage tumor, particularly if it was discovered in the larynx.
Excision. This is a procedure to remove the malignant tumor and some healthy tissue surrounding it, termed as a margin.
Neck dissection or lymph node dissection : If the doctor feels that the cancer has spread, the lymph nodes in the neck may be removed. This can be done concurrently with an excision.
Plastic (reconstructive) surgery. If extensive tissue removal is required during cancer surgery, such as removing the jaw, skin, throat, or tongue, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be performed to restore the lost tissue. This procedure aids in the restoration of a person’s look as well as the function of the damaged region. A prosthodontist, for example, may be able to create a prosthetic dental or face portion to aid in the restoration of swallowing and speaking abilities. A speech pathologist may be required to assist the patient in relearning how to swallow and communicate using new techniques or specialized equipment.
Radiation therapy :
The use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to eliminate cancer cells is known as radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy can be used to treat head and neck malignancies in a variety of ways, including to help cure the illness or to alleviate the symptoms of cancer and its treatment. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies like as surgery or chemotherapy.
External-beam radiation treatment, which delivers radiation from a machine outside the body, is the most prevalent kind of radiation therapy. Intensity-modulated radiation treatment is a form of external-beam radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT employs cutting-edge technology to precisely focus radiation beams at the tumor.
Therapies using medication :
Medication-based treatments are used to eliminate cancer cells. Medication can be administered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. When a medicine is administered in this manner, it is referred to as systemic treatment. Medication can also be provided locally, which means that it is applied directly to the malignancy or stored in a certain portion of the body.
The types of medications used for head and neck cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Each of these types of therapies is discussed below in more detail.
Chemotherapy :
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to eradicate cancer cells, often by preventing cancer cells from growing, dividing, and proliferating.
Targeted therapy :
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer development and survival. This sort of therapy inhibits cancer cell development and spread while protecting healthy cells.
Inhibitors of the EGFR. Treatments that target a tumor protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may be suggested for head and neck malignancies.
Tumor-agnostic therapy. Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) is a sort of targeted treatment that does not target a specific type of cancer but instead targets a specific genetic alteration in NTRK genes.
Immunotherapy :
Immunotherapy, also known as biologic treatment, is intended to increase the body’s natural defenses against cancer. It employs materials either from the body or created in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system performance.
The FDA has authorized two immunotherapy medications, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), for the treatment of persons with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Prevention :
Different forms of cancer are caused by different circumstances. Researchers are still investigating what variables cause this form of cancer, as well as measures to avoid it. Although there is no established method to avoid this disease entirely, you may be able to reduce your risk.
- Avoiding alcohol
- Discussing marijuana as a risk factor with your doctor and avoiding marijuana use
- Using sunscreen regularly, including lip balm with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF)
- Reducing your risk of HPV infectionis also important. The HPV vaccine Gardasil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prevention of certain types of head and neck cancer.
- Maintaining appropriate denture care. Poorly fitted dentures can trap cancer-causing chemicals found in smoke and alcohol. Denture wearers should have their dentures examined by a dentist at least once every 5 years to guarantee a proper fit. Dentures should be removed every night and carefully cleaned and cleansed every day.