Head And Neck Cancers

Persistent mouth sores, neck lumps, hoarseness, or swallowing pain signal trouble, varying by site like sore throat for pharyngeal or ear pain for laryngeal cancers. Red/white patches, bleeding, or weight loss also appear. Nasal types cause congestion, nosebleeds.?

Causes and Risk Factors

Tobacco and alcohol synergize as top risks, with HPV (types 16/18) fueling oropharyngeal cases. Poor oral hygiene, betel nut chewing, and radiation exposure contribute; men over 50 face higher odds.?

Diagnosis and Staging

Biopsy confirms type; endoscopy, CT/MRI assess spread via TNM: T (tumor size), N (nodes), M (metastasis). PET scans detect hidden disease.?

Treatment Options

Surgery removes tumors, paired with radiation/chemotherapy; immunotherapy targets HPV-related cases. Multidisciplinary care preserves function via reconstruction.