Silent signs of head and neck cancer: All you need to know

 Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that starts in the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. About 75% of head and neck cancer is caused by the use of alcohol or tobacco. Other risk factors include betel quid, certain types of human papillomavirus, radiation exposure, certain workplace exposures, and Epstein-Barr virus334. Head and neck cancers are most commonly of the squamous cell carcinoma type. The diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy. The degree of spread may be determined by medical imaging and blood tests.

Over the years, the incidences of head and neck cancer are increasing in India. If we look at the reasons for rising incidences, it would be imperative to note that poor oral hygiene and over-consumption of tobacco are the primary reasons.

India has 27 crore tobacco users, as per Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

Secondly, a subset of the Indian population is witnessing a rise in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, due to changes in their sexual practices, which may have led to a rise in cases. This type of cancer mostly occurs in youngsters and can affect non-tobacco users as well. 

Five different categories

Broadly, Head and Neck cancer cases can be segregated under five categories, named after specific areas that they affect:

• Oral cancer
• Pharynx cancer
• Larynx cancer
• Nasopharynx cancer and
• Salivary gland cancer

There are few symptoms that one should watch out for to prevent advanced-stage head and neck cancer. Also, there are specific symptoms for the different areas that are affected by cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer:

• Numbness in mouth
• Unhealed red or white patches in the mouth
• Unexplained swelling near the jaws
• Bleeding near the gums or in the mouth
• Unexplained facial swelling

Symptoms of Pharynx and Larynx cancer:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Sore throat that doesn't heal — this is the most common symptom
• Hoarse voice or change in voice
• Persistent coughing — Although this may seem like a common viral infection, if the coughing doesn't stop in spite of medication, one should consult a doctor and identify the cause.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer:

• Persistent pain near the cheek, chin, and neck
• Lump near the neck
• Blood in saliva or when a person is spitting blood
• Numbness in face muscles

Symptoms of nasopharynx cancer:

• Chronic headache
• Sinus-like symptoms which don't reduce even after medications
• Bleeding from nose