Head and neck cancer arises inside the mouth, nose, and throat, affecting essential functions like swallowing, speaking, and breathing. These types of cancer are often related to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and certain infections with Human Papillomavirus (HPV); early detection is key to improving outcomes
Types of Head and neck cancer include:-
Oral Cancer: Affects the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and upper and lower jaw, and your wisdom teeth..
Salivary gland Cancer: This type of cancer affects the glands that produce saliva.
Paranasal cancer: Develops in the hollow spaces inside your nose (the nasal cavity) or the hollow spaces in the bones that surround your nose (the paranasal sinuses).
Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Involves the upper portion of the throat.
Oropharyngeal Cancer: includes the tonsils and the middle portion of your throat.
Hypopharynx Cancer: Involves the lower portion of the throat.
Larynx Cancer: Cancer of the voice box that contains vocal cords.
Symptoms can vary by tumor location but often include
Note- Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond two weeks
The most commonly occurring risk factors are:
Tobacco: Associated with ~70% and 80% of head and neck cancers globally. This includes using snuff or any kind of chewing tobacco, as well as smoking cigarettes or cigars.
Smoking and Alcohol: Excessive alcohol use can raise your risk. In combination with smoking.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV infection is becoming the biggest risk factor for head and neck cancer, especially for throat cancers (HPV-16).
Genetics: An inherited disorder, like Fanconi anemia, makes one more susceptible to these cancers.
Poor Oral Hygiene raises the risk of oral cancer if you ignore your teeth and gums.
Exposure: Head and neck cancers can be caused by several carcinogens. These consist of paint fumes, wood dust, pesticides, and asbestos or previous radiation therapy to the head and neck.
Weak Immune System: HIV infection and recent major surgeries (such as organ or bone marrow transplants) can increase the risk.
Physical examination- examination of your throat, neck, nasal cavities, and mouth, or lumps on your cheeks, lips, gums, and neck.
You will probably require tests based on the results of your provider's evaluation, which could include:
Endoscopy: Allows you to see inside your throat, voice box, or nasal cavity using a thin, illuminated tube.
Biopsy: Analysis of the tissue to check for cancerous cells.
Imaging examinations: X-rays, MRI, PET/CT help assess tumor size and spread.
Lab tests: If your doctor notices anything troubling, they may perform an HPV test to look for the HPV virus as a cause of cancer.
Surgery: If cancer has spread to your neck or nearby lymph nodes
Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy X-rays, can be administered alone or in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy and surgery.
Chemotherapy: It is the use of medications to destroy cancer cells, particularly in cases of advanced head and neck cancer. Chemotherapy may be administered in addition to radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy: For advanced head and neck cancers, this treatment is typically used in conjunction with other therapies. Medications such as Cetuximab and larotrectinib (FDA approved) can be used.
Immunotherapy: Assist your immune system in locating and eliminating cancerous cells. Immunotherapy medications nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used to treat some head and neck cancers that have returned or spread after treatment.
Personalized Immunotherapy Plans: Tailored based on cancer type, stage, and immune profile.
Minimally Invasive Treatment: Offers a non-toxic alternative to traditional therapies.
Ideal for Sensitive Patients: Suitable for those unable to tolerate chemotherapy or radiation.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Blood Collection | A small amount of your blood (about 20 ml) is collected. It contains immune cells that are used to prepare your treatment. |
| 2. Preparing Immune Cells | These immune cells are carefully separated and grown in the lab to become special cells called dendritic cells. |
| 3. Training the Cells | The lab-grown cells are exposed to cancer-related proteins from your tumor so they can recognize and fight your cancer. |
| 4. Activating the Cells | The trained cells are then activated using immune boosters to make them fully ready to alert your immune system. |
| 5. Administering the Treatment | The final dose is mixed with saline and given to you through an IV drip. The process takes about 20 minutes. |
| Feature | Global | India |
|---|---|---|
| New Cases | ~9.3 lakh new cases (all sites combined) | ~2.5 lakh cases yearly, among the highest in the world |
| Deaths | ~5 lakh deaths due to late diagnosis and limited treatment in many areas | ~1.5 lakh deaths; high due to late detection and poor access in rural areas |
| Age & Gender | Mostly men over 50; tobacco, alcohol, and HPV are key risk factors | Affects men (age 40–70); tobacco (chewing + smoking) and alcohol are major causes |
| Hotspots | Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, parts of South America | High in UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Northeast states |
| Rural vs Urban | Rural areas face late diagnosis and limited care | Rural India has delayed care; urban areas better, but still late detection |
| 5-Year Survival | 60–80% if early; <30% if advanced | Around 30–40% overall; higher in early-stage cases with good care |
| Common Type | Mostly Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | SCC is >90% linked to tobacco, alcohol, and poor oral hygiene |
Early signs include:
Spotting these symptoms early can lead to better treatment results.
The main causes are tobacco use, heavy drinking, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Poor oral hygiene and environmental factors can also raise the risk.
Diagnosis includes physical exams, imaging tests like CT and MRI, and biopsies. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. This depends on the cancer’s stage and location.
Yes, head and neck cancer is often curable, especially if found early. The cure rate varies by cancer type, stage, and response to treatment.
Yes, HPV—especially HPV-16—is a key cause of throat cancer. HPV-related cancers usually respond better to treatment. In contrast, cancers linked to tobacco or alcohol often do not.
