Cancers of this kind can develop in the following areas:
- Oral cavity
- The pharynx and the throat
- The voice box or the larynx
- Nasal cavity and sinus area
- Salivary glands located in the mouth.
- Tongue and the tonsils.
What are the major symptoms of head and neck cancer?
The following are the most prominent symptoms:
- A sore in mouth that is not healing: It may appear initially as simple ulcers but will not heal with standard treatment. Consult your doctor if it doesn't show signs or healing in 1-2 weeks
- A white or reddish patch inside the mouth: These are early changes in the formation of cancer. Tobacco use should be immediately stopped and action to be taken promptly.
- Swelling inside the mouth or neck: It can be because of infection and subsides with antibiotics or tooth treatment. But if it doesn't reduce then suspension of cancer starts. From mouth, cancer first spreads to Neck.
- Difficulty in swallowing: If there is an ulcer or swelling in the throat, swallowing of food becomes difficult.
- There are few more nonspecific symptoms as well like mouth pain, ear pain, loosening of teeth.
- Any of the symptoms occur, one can watch and try local measures but if it persists for 2-3 weeks, must show the doctor.
What are the major risk factors that lead to an increase in cancer?
Certain factors can raise your risk of inheriting or developing head and neck cancer:
- Tobacco usage and smoking: Tobacco and cigarettes both contain nicotine, a known carcinogen that causes DNA mutations and raises the risk of head and neck cancer.
- Excessive alcohol use also increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, and pharynx.
- Advancing age.
- Prolonged sun exposure can raise the risk of mouth and oral cancer.
- Human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr virus are two diseases or ailments that can raise the risk of cancer.
- Males are more likely to get malignancies than females.
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