The treatment for neck and head cancer depends on the site in which cancer arises and affects other organs of the body. For instance, cancer that develops in the vocal cords reacts differently than those that develop in the mouth cavity region, which is not located far away from vocal cords. Squamous cell carcinoma is the common type of cancer that arises in the head or neck, which is often developed by the smoking history of an affected person and exposure to HPV(Human Papilla Virus). Other rare types of cancers are salivary gland tumours, thyroid cancer, lymphomas, larynx cancer etc. Avoiding consumption of tobacco, smoking, alcohol, etc and proper vaccination against HPV in children and adults are the measures that can be taken to prevent cancer.

Usually, cancer develops in four stages, firstly the direct expansion from prime sites to the adjacent areas. Secondly, it starts spreading through lymphatic canals to lymph nodes. In the third stage, it starts spreading to the nerves of the neck and head (perineural cancer). Lastly, it spreads through the vessels of blood to different organs of the body. Many cancers that arise in head and neck can be cured if detected in the initial stage. Although eliminating cancer should not be the only goal while treating it, but other important factors are also essential for protecting the functions of nearby organs, nerves, tissues.

The major option of head and neck cancer treatments are radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy. Treating cancers mainly depends upon several factors such as stage and type of cancer, patient’s health, side effects.

1. Surgery- The primary goal of a surgeon is to remove the cancerous cells while preserving surrounding tissues and organs during the operation. Types of surgery are-

● Excision- This is a surgery performed to remove cancerous tumours from the affected organs and from surrounding tissues termed as margin.

● Laser technology- This is performed to treat tumours of early stages, especially if cancer has affected the larynx.

● Reconstructive surgery- Cancer in the last stage may require major removal of tissues, such as removal of skin, jaw, tongue or pharynx, then in such cases, plastic or reconstructive surgery is performed to replace the removed tissue.

Some patient may need more than one surgery depending upon the stages, location, type of cancer; and sometimes it is not always possible to completely remove the cancerous tumours from the operation, it may be followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy or both.

2. Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy is a contentious form of chemical drugs therapy that is performed to destroy the growing cells. As cancer cells proliferate and divide faster than any other cells of the body, then chemotherapy is presented in a strict regimen. Patients may receive one drug at a time or combination of two medication at the same time in head and neck cancer treatment. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the patient’s health and the dose of the drugs. Still, some effects include fatigue, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, risk of infection etc.

3. Radiation therapy- Radiation therapy is the cancer treatment that uses high energy x-rays or protons or other particles to destroy cancerous cells. It can be performed to treat head and neck cancer or can be used after the surgery to kill small lumps of cancer that cannot be removed by operation. Before performing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, an examination of patients needs to be done by a dental oncologist, to prevent tooth decay.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Look for some of the best hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers for cancer treatment in Bangalore. Besides, it is suggested to consult your doctor about the various treatment options available, about a health condition, side-effects of the procedure, and preventive measure to take after the treatment or surgery. Cancer can affect a person emotionally, mentally and financially as well. So, it is advisable to contact the palliative care that helps in improving health and supports the patients and their families by providing non-medical needs.