Cancer and COVID-19: What You Need To Know
The spread of the novel coronavirus and its aftermath has left us with many questions. For example, many of us wonder how we can protect
Head and neck cancer describes cancers that occur throughout the head or neck area, including the larynx (voice box), throat, mouth, salivary glands, lips, nasal cavity or sinuses.
Head and neck cancers typically begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, nose and throat. These squamous cell cancers are known as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, but salivary gland cancers are not very common.
Head and neck cancer describes cancers that occur throughout the head or neck area, including the larynx (voice box), throat, mouth, salivary glands, lips, nasal cavity or sinuses.
Head and neck cancers typically begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, nose and throat. These squamous cell cancers are known as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, but salivary gland cancers are not very common.
Of the many risk factors for head and neck cancer, the two most prevalent are alcohol and tobacco use. These habits increase your chances of developing cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. In fact, about 75 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by alcohol and tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes).
Other risk factors are:
To diagnose cancers of the head and neck area, your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. If you have specific symptoms, certain exams and tests may be ordered immediately. This is usually followed by an analysis of a sample of tissue under a microscope to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cancer.
If cancer is present, your doctor will determine the stage (extent) of the disease. This may involve an exam under anesthesia, X-rays or other imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Knowing the stage of head and neck cancer helps your oncologist plan the most effective treatment.
The symptoms of head and neck cancers can feel common. That is to say, many are associated with other, less serious conditions. Be sure check with a doctor or dentist about any of the following signs:
Other symptoms can signal more serious problems in the head and neck, including:
There are several kinds of head and neck cancers, which are categorized according to where they originate (develop). They are:
Your treatment plan will depend on a number of individual factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the type and stage of the head and neck cancer, and your age and overall health. Your RCCA treatment plan may include the following therapies administered singularly or in combination:
At RCCA, we approach the complexities of head and neck cancers much like we do all cancers: With a commitment to your individual needs and convenience. To us, world-class cancer care, advanced treatments, pre- and post-treatment support and breakthrough clinical trials are only effective if the people who need them most can access them. So we built an extensive network across three states to give you convenient, local access to the dedicated care you need to win your fight.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
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