What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck tumors present themselves with a variety of symptoms. These types of cancer generally originate from the tissues located in the head and neck region. The most common symptoms include abnormal swellings in the head and neck region. These swellings may grow over time and can be felt upon palpation.

Also, non-healing sores on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth are typical signs of this cancer. These sores can appear as long-lasting or recurring canker sores.

Hoarseness is another common symptom of head and neck cancers. Changes in voice tone may occur if the vocal cords are affected. Difficulty in swallowing is often seen in cancers of the larynx and esophagus.

1. Abnormal swellings in the head and neck
2. Non-healing sores on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth
3. Hoarseness
4. Difficulty swallowing

In addition, nasal congestion and ear pain are among the symptoms of these types of cancer. Nasal congestion is particularly seen in nasal and paranasal sinus cancers. Ear pain may be associated with the spread of cancer around the ear. Hearing loss and facial paralysis are rarer but more serious symptoms.

1. Nasal congestion
2. Ear pain
3. Hearing loss
4. Facial paralysis

These symptoms may indicate the presence of tumors in the head and neck region. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the successful management of these types of cancers.

Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Head and Neck Tumors

To diagnose head and neck tumors, a detailed patient history is first taken. During this process, the patient’s past health status and symptoms are carefully examined. Then, a thorough physical examination is performed.

Procedures such as biopsy are applied to confirm the diagnosis. Among imaging techniques, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography come to the forefront. The treatment methods can be summarized as follows:

1. Surgery: Performed depending on the location and stage of the tumor. In some cases, removal of the neck lymph nodes may be necessary.
2. Radiotherapy: Can be used as an alternative or as a complement to surgery.
3. Chemotherapy: Especially preferred alongside radiotherapy as an adjunct treatment after surgery.

The location, cell structure, and stage of the tumor play a determining role in the treatment process. The patient’s overall health status and preferences also play an important role in treatment planning.

Customized treatment plans are developed for each patient. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted, bringing together physicians from different specialties. This teamwork ensures that the most appropriate treatment methods are identified for the patient.

What Causes Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers are more commonly seen in older individuals and men. Smoking and alcohol use stand out as significant factors in the development of these cancers. Studies show that cancer rates tend to be higher in industrialized societies.

Factors such as consumption of processed foods and exposure to radiation can also increase cancer risk. Personal care habits and dietary patterns can play a role in the development of these diseases.

In Turkey, the high incidence of head and neck cancers such as laryngeal cancer is often attributed to the high rate of smoking among men. Genetic and familial factors may also be influential in the formation of cancers.

Factors that lead to head and neck cancers:

1. Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of cancer have an increased risk.
2. Hormonal factors: Hormone imbalances can trigger certain types of cancer.
3. Dietary factors: Unbalanced and unhealthy eating habits.
4. Physical factors: Prolonged sun exposure and radiation.
5. Chemicals: Harmful substances in the workplace or environment.
6. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites: Infections can increase cancer risk.

While genetic makeup alone is not solely responsible for cancer formation, it can contribute to the process. Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide. Smoking is known to cause many types of cancer, including those of the head and neck. Being aware of these factors and taking preventative measures can reduce cancer risk.

Stages of Head and Neck Tumors (Cancers)

• Stage 0: Carcinoma in Situ: At this stage, the cancer is still in its initial phase. There are abnormal, precancerous cells in the affected tissue. These cells have not yet transformed into an invasive cancer.
• Stage I: At this stage, the detected tumor is a mass up to two centimeters in diameter. This tumor is located only at the primary site and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
• Stage II: In Stage II, the tumor exceeds two centimeters but does not surpass four centimeters. The tumor is only at its primary location and has not spread to lymph nodes or other areas.
• Stage III: At this stage, the tumor can be larger than four centimeters or can show limited spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the neck. These lymph nodes can be up to three centimeters in diameter.
• Stage IV: Advanced Stage: Stage IV is the most advanced stage of head and neck cancer. The tumor can be of any size and may have spread to other parts of the head and neck region or nearby tissues. It may spread to a large lymph node (larger than three centimeters) on the same side of the neck, multiple lymph nodes, or the lymph nodes in the opposite side of the neck. It may also spread to distant areas outside the head and neck, such as the lungs or other organs.

Treatment Methods Used for Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers are diseases that require special treatment approaches. Different treatment strategies are used depending on how far the cancer cells have spread. These treatments are divided into three main categories: surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

• Surgical Treatment

Surgery is used to remove cancerous tissues or organs. If the cancer has not yet spread, it is quite effective. Also, it can be combined with other treatments even if the cancer has spread.

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves chemicals designed to destroy cancer cells. This method is effective against cancer cells that have spread throughout the body.

• Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy targets cancer cells using radiation. In head and neck cancers, radiotherapy can be used both independently and in combination with other treatment methods.

The treatment process depends on the stage of the cancer. Head and neck cancers are classified into four main stages. In the early stages (Stages 1 and 2), surgical treatment is usually sufficient, while in the advanced stages (Stages 3 and 4), chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also employed.

In advanced stages, the cancer has often spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. In these cases, combined treatment approaches are preferred.

Early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers are critical for preventing the disease or alleviating its symptoms. Common symptoms of the disease include hoarseness, coughing, and difficulty swallowing. People experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical help from healthcare providers. This way, early intervention can positively impact the course of the disease.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Those Who Have Surgery

After head and neck cancer surgeries, patients should follow a special diet and lifestyle plan to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. First, it is important to consume foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Suitable foods for the patient include:

• Fruit and vegetables that can be pureed,
• Softened foods like potatoes and eggs,
• Soft-cooked grains and yogurt.

This type of diet should be arranged to meet energy and protein needs. Foods rich in protein and calories can include:

• Seafood and poultry,
• Legumes and dairy products,
• Avocado, nuts, and olive oil.

Additionally, eating in small portions throughout the day helps optimize nutrient intake. Hydration is also critical for recovery. Patients should drink plenty of water and suitable fluids. Acidic fruits, spicy foods, and alcohol, which can irritate the mouth and throat, should be avoided.

Lifestyle changes can also have major effects on health. Oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of infection and support recovery. Teeth should be brushed gently after meals, and gargling should be done according to the doctor’s advice. Smoking can negatively affect recovery and should be stopped. Physical activities improve overall health, but patients should consult their doctors before starting any exercise program. Finally, joining support groups can be beneficial for both information exchange and moral support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you detect head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer presents with some distinctive signs. Patients often develop swellings in the head and neck area. Swelling around the eyes can also occur.

Numbness or tingling in the mouth area may be experienced. Patients frequently complain of hoarseness. A considerable number of people have difficulty swallowing.

A cough, especially one that is persistent and unexplained, should be taken seriously. Breathing difficulties and swallowing problems can also occur. In some cases, sores may appear in the mouth, on the tongue, or on the lips.

Ear pain, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss may also indicate this type of cancer. These symptoms play a critical role in diagnosing head and neck cancer. Whenever any of these changes are prolonged or severe, medical evaluation is necessary.

Where do head and neck cancers metastasize?

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas typically spread through the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes in the neck region are particularly common targets for these types of cancers.

Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and reach the cervical lymph nodes via lymphatic channels. This process varies depending on the size, location, and histological features of the tumor.

The thickness of the tumor and its tendency to invade surrounding nerve tissues are also among the factors affecting the likelihood of metastasis. This situation, which negatively affects patients’ survival rates, plays an important role in determining treatment strategies.

Therefore, early detection and application of appropriate treatment methods are crucial in preventing metastasis in head and neck cancers.

Which doctor should I see for head and neck cancer?

When diagnosed with head and neck cancer, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and head and neck surgeons play the most important role in the treatment process. Surgeons who specialize in this field determine the most appropriate treatment methods based on the stage and type of the disease.

Surgical intervention is usually recommended, while radiotherapy, i.e., treatment with radiation, is also frequently preferred. Chemotherapy, which is a treatment performed with medication, is less common.

Depending on the situation, one or a combination of these treatments may be advised. During this process, the head and neck surgeon works in coordination with other healthcare professionals to manage the patient’s treatment plan.

Thus, the treatment method best suited to the patient’s needs is implemented. These surgeons make critical decisions in the diagnosis and treatment stages of the disease while also closely monitoring the patient’s treatment process.

Is there a chance of survival in Stage 4 head and neck cancers?

The two-year survival rate for patients with Stage IV head and neck cancer is 48.6%. Hence, although the disease is serious at this stage, there is still a considerable chance of survival. This rate indicates that despite advanced disease, a significant proportion of patients can live for a certain period. However, each patient’s situation may vary depending on different factors.

Looking at images or photographs of people with head and neck cancer to diagnose yourself can be misleading, so you should consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms.