The head, face and neck area contains many different types of tissue and cancer cells can appear at any time.
Head and neck cancer is cancer that begins in the cells lining the mouth, throat (pharynx), and larynx.
In addition, head and neck cancers can form in the sinuses or salivary glands, but less commonly. Head and neck cancers sometimes spread to the lymph nodes in the upper neck and to other parts of the body.
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Men are three times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than women. Age also plays an important role in increasing the risk of this cancer, especially people over 50 years old.
Some other risk factors include smoking; drinking too much alcohol, HPV infection, EBV infection, people with weakened immune systems, people who are frequently exposed to chemicals at work, exposure to radiation, poor oral hygiene, and genetics.
Some common types of head and neck cancers today include: Nasopharyngeal cancer; cancer cells are found in the tissue in the upper or middle part of the throat and behind the nose.
Laryngeal cancer
Cancer cells develop in the tissues of the larynx. Most of these cancers begin on the surface of the mucosa and are called squamous cell carcinomas. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include changes in the voice, such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or pain, loud breathing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and a persistent lump in the neck.
Hypopharyngeal cancer
Cancer cells are found in the tissue in the lower part of the throat or behind the larynx. People with hypopharyngeal cancer will feel like there is a lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.
Oral Cancer - Salivary Gland Cancer
Cancer cells are found in the salivary glands, including just under the tongue, on both sides of the cheeks, in front of the ears, and under the jawbone. There are also salivary glands in different parts of the upper digestive tract. Normally, salivary glands help keep the mouth moist, aid in swallowing, and aid in the digestion of food.
There are three main pairs of salivary glands, including the parotid glands, sublingual glands, and submandibular glands.
Salivary gland cancer most commonly affects the parotid gland. People with salivary gland cancer may notice a lump or swelling on or near the jaw, in the mouth, or in the neck. However, most lumps are not cancerous. In addition, people may experience numbness in part of the face and drooping on one side of the face.
Facial sinus cancer: Cancer forms in the hollow space inside the nose (nasal cavity) or in the spaces in the bones around the nose (paranasal sinuses). Symptoms of facial sinus cancer resemble those of viral or bacterial infections such as colds and sinusitis.
Persistent nasal congestion, usually affecting one side, nosebleeds, decreased sense of smell, mucus running from the nose down the throat, malignant tumors in the head and neck area
This is a type of cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that give skin its pigment or color. Head and neck melanoma is a type of cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that give skin its pigment or color.
People with oral cancer have symptoms such as mouth ulcers, persistent tumors, unknown causes, and pain.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: This is a non-melanoma malignancy. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. The cancer cells are more aggressive and may require extensive surgery depending on the location and nerve involvement.
Basal cell skin cancer of the head and neck: Basal cell skin cancer of the head and neck is also a type of non-melanoma malignant cancer that arises from abnormal basal cells in the skin.
Head and neck sarcoma: Cancer cells are found in the soft tissues of the body including: muscles, connective tissue (tendons), blood vessels, lymph nodes, joints and fat.
Head and neck cancer of unknown primary site. This type of cancer often presents as a lump in the neck. This is a sign that the cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes in the neck.
Which type of head and neck cancer is the most dangerous?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is the most dangerous type because it is a malignant disease, not a malignant tumor. It is the second most common type of skin cancer. Because the cancer is aggressive, surgery requires the removal of a large area of the treatment area. Furthermore, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck also affects the nerves.
MSc. Doan Minh Trong, Head and Neck Unit, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, some methods to help screen for early head and neck cancer, including health check-ups.
Accordingly, the doctor will examine the patient's mouth and nose, neck, throat and tongue. At the same time, the doctor will also touch the neck, lips, gums and cheeks to look for tumors or unusual signs of head and neck cancer.
Endoscopy: The doctor uses an endoscope - a thin tube with a light and camera - to see the nasal cavity, throat, larynx or other areas where signs of head and neck cancer may appear.
Imaging tests: Some early screening methods for head and neck cancer include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. These methods all create images of the area inside the patient’s head and neck. Your doctor will decide which imaging test is appropriate to diagnose your condition.
Testing: Your doctor will take a blood sample to test for viruses such as HPV or EBV. Your doctor may also perform a biomarker test to check for proteins common in head and neck cancers. This test will help your doctor decide on the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Biopsy: Your doctor will take a sample of tissue from the abnormal area and examine it under a microscope to look for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to diagnose cancer. Common biopsy methods used to diagnose head and neck cancers include fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy.
Screening for early detection of head and neck cancer is the key to successful cancer treatment. Screening will help doctors detect most head and neck cancers. The diagnostic methods that doctors recommend are based on the patient's health condition.
Some measures to prevent head and neck cancer include quitting smoking: Patients should quit using all forms of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) Reduce alcohol consumption: Patients should reduce or stop drinking alcohol to reduce the risk of this cancer.
HPV vaccination: This protects against several strains of HPV, including the type that causes oropharyngeal cancer. Head and neck cancers are treatable with surgery and radiation therapy if detected and treated early.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/11-loai-ung-thu-dau-mat-co-can-benh-nao-nguy-hiem-nhat-d225048.html
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