After being diagnosed with head and neck cancer, you may have several questions regarding your treatment or outcome. You should discuss these questions with your doctor. Examples of questions patients commonly ask include: What type of head and neck cancer do I have? Where is the site of the tumor? What is the stage of …
After treatment, it is imperative to have regular check-ups. The check-ups may involve: Checking for cancer recurrence. Management of side effects. Rehabilitation (for example speech therapy). Psychological support.
Surgery After a surgical procedure to the head or neck you may experience the following: ● Pain or discomfort – this is usually managed with pain relief medications. ● Numbness – you may experience numbness or loss of sensation. Depending on the area operated on, recovery of sensation may take a few months. ● Changes …
The majority of head and neck cancers can be treated, particularly if discovered early. Treatments vary according to the site, stage, age of the patient and his or her general health. Depending on the extent of cancer, your doctor may proceed with either one or a combination of the following treatments. Surgery An operation may …
The stage of cancer provides information such as the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other areas in the body. This can help your doctor determine the best treatment for you. The method of staging commonly used is called TNM (Tumour, Node, Metastasis). There is a range of imaging techniques that …
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, assess your risk factors and symptoms if you have any. He/she will also examine your head and neck. If your doctor thinks you may have head and neck cancer, then he/she will want to obtain some of the following tests in order to confirm the diagnosis …
The symptoms vary according to the location of cancer in the head and neck. Common symptoms include: A lump which does not resolve. Persisting discomfort or pain. Persistent ulcer in the mouth. Difficulty chewing or swallowing. Hoarseness of voice. Oral: White or red patches/lesions. Lump in the oral Unusual bleeding in the mouth. Loose teeth …
Anything that increases your risk of getting a cancer of the head and neck is called a risk factor. Having any of these risk factors does not automatically mean that you will get head and neck cancer; however, it does put you at a higher risk of developing it compared to other people of your …
The yearly occurrence of head and neck cancers globally is approximately 550,000 cases (2014). Head and neck cancer SCC is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. It is more prevalent in areas with high alcohol and tobacco consumption which are directly linked to increased incidence of these tumors. There is insufficient data to fully estimate …
Head and neck cancers involve malignant tumors located in the mouth, nose or the throat. Most head and neck cancers are of a type called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This originates from squamous cells which construct the moist, thin lining on the surface of tissues & organs in the head and the neck area. The types …
