Best Head and Neck Cancer Hospital in Mumbai

Best Head and Neck Cancer Hospital in Mumbai

Are You at Risk for Head and Neck Cancer? Know the Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the head and neck region. These cancers typically develop in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), and nasal cavity. Head and neck cancers can affect how you eat, drink, breathe, or speak. Early detection of the disease increases the chance for successful treatment and maintaining your quality of life. If you have just been diagnosed with a type of head and neck tumour, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, offers the comprehensive, personalised care you need. Our highly accomplished specialists are here to guide you with expertise and compassion every step of the way.

Why Choose Fortis Hospital Mulund for Head and Neck Cancer Care?

At Fortis Hospital, Mulund, experts in the Head and Neck Cancer Centre work closely with doctors from other specialities to design a treatment plan that will give you the best results with the least side effects. We offer:

• Compassionate, multidisciplinary care – provided by a team of highly skilled doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating all forms of head and neck cancers, including the most complex types.
• Latest diagnostic and treatment options – such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and minimally invasive techniques, including transoral robotic surgery, as well as complex reconstructive surgical procedures to address all your unique needs.
• Personalised treatment plan – to treat your condition, incorporating the most advanced medical and surgical approaches for the best possible outcomes.
• Palliative care and other support services - to help you feel more at ease and optimise treatment efficacy.

Keep reading to learn more about head and neck cancer, including the signs and symptoms you should watch out for, the causes and risk factors, the treatments available, the outlook, and the preventive measures you can take. 

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer encompasses a diverse set of malignant tumours that can form in the head and neck area. Most types of head and neck cancer form in the squamous cells, which line the surface of your mouth, throat, and voice box. These cancers are referred to as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, sinuses, or muscles or nerves, although this is rare. 

What are the Types of Head and Neck Cancer?

There are different types of cancers of the head and neck, which are classified based on where they affect. Some types of head and neck cancers include:

• Mouth cancer
• Lip cancer
• Tongue cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer
• Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Skin cancer

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer are often mild and may vary, depending on where the cancer started. Common symptoms of head and neck cancer are:

• A persistent sore throat
• A lump on the back of the mouth, throat or neck
• A mouth or tongue ulcer that doesn’t heal
• Swelling in the jaw or side of the face
• Loose teeth
• Coughing up blood
• Trouble chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Speech problems
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Unusual bleeding in the mouth or throat
• Recurrent headaches
• Hoarseness or a change in the voice
• Sinus infections that won’t heal or respond to treatment
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue or inside the mouth
• Persistent ear pain
• Face or neck pain that won’t go away
• Unexplained weight loss

Schedule a doctor appointment if you experience any of these symptoms to get the right diagnosis and treatment, if needed.

What Causes Head and Neck Cancer?

It is not clear what causes head and neck cancer in some people with no known risk factors. However, these cancers develop when normal cells in the head and neck turn abnormal, causing them to become malignant. These malignant cells grow uncontrollably and then form a tumour, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Certain things have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers of the head and neck. 

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include:

• Tobacco use (smoking and chewing tobacco)
• Betel nut use
• Alcohol consumption
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
• Poor oral hygiene
• Radiation exposure
• Ultraviolet light
• A weakened immune system
• Underlying genetic disorders
• Being male
• A diet high in salt-cured foods
• Not getting enough vitamins A and B
• Inhalation of asbestos, wood dust, nickel dust, silica dust

How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?

Fortis Hospital, Mulund, has some of the most skilled and experienced experts diagnosing head and neck cancer. This unparalleled level of expertise, combined with state-of-the-art technology, enables accurate diagnosis, helping doctors to develop the best possible personalised treatment plans.

A diagnosis of head and neck cancer usually starts with a physical exam, where your doctor will check for any abnormalities inside your mouth, throat, and nasal cavities. They will also feel your lips, cheeks, and neck to check for lumps or swelling. 

Depending on your symptoms and the type of cancer suspected, as well as your medical history, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:

• Lab tests – such as an HPV test to check for infection with HPV.
• Endoscopy – to examine the inside of your nasal cavity, throat, or voice box.
• Biopsy – your doctor will remove a small amount of abnormal tissue to be examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. A biopsy can confirm that a tumour is cancerous.
• Imaging tests – such as X-rays of the head and neck, MRI, ultrasound, CT scan, and PET/CT scan, can reveal tumours inside the body. If cancer is detected, these scans can show the size and location of the tumour. 

Staging of head and neck cancers

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will work to determine the type, size, location, and spread of the cancer. This is called staging, which will help your doctor recommend the best treatment option for you. 

Staging for each type of head and neck cancer differs slightly. But in general, stage I and stage II head and neck cancer mean the cancer is in early stages, having the highest treatment success rates. Stage III and stage IV are considered advanced, indicating the tumour has spread to surrounding tissue and lymph nodes (locally advanced cancer) or to distant parts of the body (metastatic cancer).

How is Head and Neck Cancer Treated?

Many factors, such as the stage of cancer and where it began, your age and overall health, as well as your preferences, are considered while deciding which treatment or combination of treatments is best for you.

At Fortis Hospital, Mulund, our multidisciplinary team of experts, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists, work together to develop a personalised treatment plan just for you.

You may have one or more of the following treatments, based on the above factors:

Surgery

Your surgeon will try to completely remove cancerous and noncancerous tumours of the head and neck. Sometimes, if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck or the risk of spreading there is high, your surgeon may remove them. 

The head and neck surgeons at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, utilise advanced surgical techniques, including transoral robotic surgery and other minimally invasive options, whenever suitable, to preserve quality of life and prevent affecting your ability to speak, breathe, and eat. Less invasive surgical options also offer some advantages, such as, faster recovery times and a reduced risk of complications, compared with traditional open surgeries. Our surgeons use a variety of surgical methods, depending on the type and location of head and neck cancer patients have. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be given after surgery to prevent cancer from coming back.

Reconstruction surgery 

Sometimes, patients may need reconstruction surgery, because some operations can affect their appearance and function, impacting abilities, such as swallowing and speaking. Reconstructive surgery is, perhaps, an important part of head and neck cancer treatment. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, use advanced techniques, which are usually done at the same time as tumour removal, sparing you from a separate procedure. They work closely with your head and neck surgeon to ensure a seamless experience while restoring the appearance and function of the face, mouth, throat, and neck.

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to attack cancer cells, especially in advanced head and neck cancers. Chemotherapy may be given alongside radiation therapy to make the treatment more effective.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and is specifically effective in treating head and neck cancers. You may receive radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other drug therapies. Radiation therapy may also be given after head and neck cancer surgery.

Targeted therapy 

Often used in combination with other treatments to treat advanced head and neck cancers. Targeted therapy drugs attack specific features of cancer cells, slowing or stopping them from growing or spreading. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses drugs to help your immune system recognise and kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be a treatment option for head and neck cancers that have metastasised.

Radioactive iodine therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy is often used after surgery in thyroid cancer. It works by eliminating abnormal thyroid tissue that might have been missed during surgery.

Palliative care

Your doctor or care team may recommend palliative care to alleviate symptoms and help you feel better. Palliative care, when used with other appropriate treatments, can significantly improve the quality of life and may lead to a longer life expectancy. 

What’s the Outlook for Head and Neck Cancer?

Your outlook or prognosis depends on multiple factors, including the type and stage of head and neck cancer you have, whether HPV is present in the tumor, your age and overall health, and your response to treatment. Cancers of the head and neck, if caught early and treated immediately, are potentially curable. So, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

Is It Possible to Prevent Head and Neck Cancer?

You cannot prevent head and neck cancer entirely, but you can reduce your risk by taking some steps, such as:

• Not using tobacco products – if you do use them, make plan to quit
• Avoiding or drinking alcohol in moderation
• Getting the HPV vaccine
• Using sun protection whenever you go outside
• Having regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene 

Takeaway

Learning that you have a form of head and neck cancer can be distressing. But the good thing is, many types of head and neck cancer are treatable and even curable with surgery and/or radiation therapy, if they are caught early. Consult with a doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your head and neck region for early detection and treatment. Moreover, scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist and avoiding controllable risk factors can help prevent or lower your chances of developing head and neck cancer.