What Is Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that begin in the lip, mouth, inside the nose larynx, sinuses and the pharynx (part of the respiratory system). In fact, there are over 30 different places that the cancer can develop in in the head and neck.
Around 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, growing in the epithelial cells lining these areas.
Since head and neck cancer covers many different areas, there are no exact figures for how many people are diagnosed in people annually, however, mouth cancer is the most common form. Most people diagnosed with a head and neck cancer are over the age of 55.
Associated causes of head and neck cancers include: smoking, excessive and prolonged drinking, poor diet, and a weakened immune system. Age is obviously an important contributory factor too, with cases in people under the age of 40 being rare.
There are indicatory signs of head and neck cancer. Common symptoms include: a swelling or a lump in the face or neck, constant throat and earache on one side, hoarseness, difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent red and white patches and a continual mouth ulcer. Loose teeth, a blocked nose, nose bleeds and facial numbness can also be signs.
The LOC provides private treatments for head and neck cancer at state of the art clinics. Specialist will help to decide on the best course of treatment as well as cancer after care.