Head and Neck Cancer begin with squamous cell lining of mucosal surface of head and neck. It includes inside mouth, throat and voice box. These Cancer also being in Salivary gland, Thyroid gland. Paranasal Sinus.

Head and Neck cancer Includes   –

1. Oral Cavity - Oral Cavity include Lip, Tongue, Gum, Buccal Mucosa (lining inside Cheeks and lips), Floor of the mouth under tongue, Hard palate (bony top of the mouth), RMT (small area of gum behind the wisdom teeth.
2.  Throat (back of mouth, Pharynx) – It is a hollow tube, consist of three parts Nasopharynx (uppermost part, behind nose), Oropharynx (middle part, back of mouth), hypopharynx (lowest part)
3. Larynx (voice box)
4. Salivary gland – Major salivary gland (parotid gland, Submandibular gland, sublingual gland is in floor of mouth and near jawbone. Minor salivary gland is present throughout the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat.

Introduction of head and neck Cancer –

In India Head and neck cancers are emerging as major public health problems, which are lifestyle related food habit, Smoking and alcohol consumption, changing lifestyle, increased longevity of the growing population. Head and neck cancers can cause varying degrees of structural and functional deformities depending on the site, size, and patterns of spread. Head and neck Cancer treatment needs comprehensive facility (dedicated head and neck surgeon, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, Dentist, Physiotherapist, Speech and swallowing specialist and Dietician) under one roof to improve survival and quality of life.

When you will take an opinion from Oncologist -  

 In the mouth (Oral Cavity) —

• A white or red sore or ulcer that does not heal on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• Painless swelling in the jaw.
• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.
• A painless, painful or prolong lump in the neck.
• Recurrent problems with dentures.

At the back of the mouth (pharynx) —

• Trouble breathing or speaking.
• A lump or thickening.
• Trouble chewing or swallowing food.
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
• Pain in the throat that won’t go away.
• Pain or ringing in the ears or trouble hearing.

In the voice box (larynx) —

• Pain when swallowing.
• Ear pain.
• Hoarseness of voice

In the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity —

• Blocked sinuses that don’t clear.
• Sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics.
• Bleeding through the nose.
• Headaches.
• Pain and swelling around the eyes.
• Pain in the upper teeth.
• Problems with dentures.