Early detection of head and neck cancer

Early detection of head and neck cancer

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
cancerGO | Thyroid Cancer

What are head and neck cancers?

Cancer develops when the DNA in a normal healthy cell mutates or changes and becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell grows uncontrollably and doesn’t follow the normal processes of cell division and death. Head and neck cancer is diagnosed when these cancerous cells grow in the head and neck areas.

Screening tests look for cancers before they cause any symptoms. The screening process for head and neck cancer is generally done for those at high risk of getting these types of cancers.

Who’s at risk for head and neck cancer?

One of the biggest risk factors for developing head and neck cancer is the use of tobacco products. These can include cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cancer as well.

Heavy alcohol intake has also been associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers. Other risk factors include:

● Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

● Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection

● Male sex

● Poor dental hygiene

● History of radiation exposure

● Workplace exposures to chemicals, fumes, asbestos

● Increasing age

Symptoms of head and neck cancer

Some of the symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

● Sore throat that is not improving

● Sores in the mouth or on the lip that aren’t healing

● Hoarse voice

● Jaw pain

● Ear pain

● Lumps on the neck

● Difficulty swallowing

Evaluating for head and neck cancer

People at high risk for developing head and neck cancer should have an exam by their healthcare provider at least once a year. During this exam, the mouth and throat should be evaluated. This should include the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue. The neck should be checked for the presence of any lumps or masses.

If someone has any abnormalities on the screening exam or presents with any of the above symptoms, further studies may need to be done to find the source of the changes.

An endoscopy can be done with a special camera inserted into the mouth and moved down the throat to get a good look at all of the structures in the mouth and throat. It can also be placed in through the nose to look from that direction as well. Other imaging tests can include:

● CT (computed tomography) scan

● MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

● Ultrasound

● PET (positron emission tomography) testing

Any abnormal areas seen can be biopsied and tested for the presence of cancer cells.

Screening for head and neck cancer can be done in several ways, including a physical exam, x-rays, scans, and biopsies. Be sure to ask your doctor about which screenings are right for you.

 

The earlier head and neck cancer is caught, the better the chances are for successful treatment. So don’t wait – get screened today.

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
Julie is an oncology certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of medical oncology experience. In addition to her clinical work, she is an accomplished healthcare writer providing oncology content for various publications. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for a Master's nursing program and a chair for Doctoral nursing students.

Download our
mobile app

Share this post
You may also like
Articles
Renal Cell Cancer
November 8, 2022

What is Renal Cell Cancer? Renal cell cancer is when you have cells in your kidneys are growing improperly. Renal cell cancer also called renal cell adenocarcinoma or kidney cancer, is a disease where the cancer cells are found in the lining of the tubules( tiny tubes) in the kidney.…

Zain Syed

author

Articles
Amyloidosis
March 1, 2023

What is Amyloidosis? Amyloidosis is a rare condition that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in the body's organs and tissues. Over time, this buildup can cause damage and lead to organ failure. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of amyloidosis. Symptoms The symptoms…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

Articles
Understanding Myeloproliferative Neoplasm and Its Treatment Options
January 23, 2023

What are Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of blood cancers that affect the bone marrow and the blood cells it produces. They lead to the abnormal growth of one or more types of blood cells that the bone marrow produces, including white blood cells, red blood…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

cancerGO gives you access to a community

Where are people to listen, answer questions, share information, and offer valuable and timely advice