Head and Neck Cancers: Overview & Care
Head and neck cancers are a diverse group of malignant tumors that can develop in the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. These cancers may impact essential functions such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing, and can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention are crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic processes, and treatment options is essential for patients and their families. Dr. Manish Sharma, a Gold Medallist oncologist at Manipal Hospital, Delhi, provides comprehensive care for head and neck cancers, offering advanced surgical, medical, and supportive treatments tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Common Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers can cause a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the exact location of the tumor. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking prompt medical attention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall prognosis.
- Persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
- Unexplained lumps or swelling in the neck or jaw
- Chronic nasal congestion or nosebleeds
- Persistent mouth ulcers or bleeding
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Difficulty breathing or changes in breathing patterns
Head and Neck Cancers: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment
Head and neck cancers encompass a group of malignancies that affect the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment approach are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life.
Types of Head and Neck Cancers
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Common types include cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. Each type may require different diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.
Who Is Affected
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Head and neck cancers can affect adults of all ages, though risk factors include tobacco or alcohol use, HPV infection, poor oral hygiene, and occupational exposures.
Treatment Options
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Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination, depending on cancer type, stage, and patient condition.
Living with Head and Neck Cancer
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Supportive care, nutritional guidance, speech and swallowing therapy, and regular follow-ups are vital to managing side effects and maintaining quality of life during and after treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Manish Sharma for Head and Neck Cancer Care?
Dr. Manish Sharma is a Gold Medallist oncologist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers. He provides personalized care, combining advanced therapies with supportive management to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Expertise in Head and Neck Oncology
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Dr. Sharma has extensive knowledge in treating cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands.
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He designs personalized treatment plans using surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy depending on cancer type, stage, and patient condition.
Advanced & Patient-Centered Care
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Dr. Sharma uses the latest diagnostic tools, including imaging and lab tests, to accurately evaluate each patient’s condition before treatment.
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He combines modern cancer therapies with supportive care such as speech, swallowing, and nutritional therapy, focusing on effectiveness, minimizing side effects, and maintaining quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert guidance on various cancer types with personalized consultations to help you understand your options and plan your care.
Head and neck cancers include malignant tumors that develop in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. These cancers often affect speech, swallowing, and breathing functions.
Common symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, lumps in the neck, hoarseness, mouth ulcers that do not heal, unexplained weight loss, ear pain, and bleeding from the mouth or nose.
Risk factors include tobacco use (smoking or chewing), excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, poor oral hygiene, and exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants.
Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans), biopsies, and laboratory tests to determine the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination depending on cancer type, stage, and patient health.
While not all cancers can be prevented, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, practicing good oral hygiene, receiving HPV vaccination, and regular check-ups can reduce risk.
Side effects depend on the treatment and may include fatigue, mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, dry mouth, hair loss, skin irritation, and temporary voice changes.
The duration of treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and chosen therapies. Some treatments are administered over weeks or months, while others may be continuous for longer periods.
Recurrence is possible, which is why regular follow-ups, imaging, and monitoring are essential after treatment to detect any return of cancer early.
You can book an appointment by contacting Manipal Hospital directly or visiting the official website. Dr. Sharma provides personalized treatment plans for head and neck cancers based on advanced diagnostics and patient needs.