World Head and Neck Cancer Day is commemorated on 27 July each year to raise awareness. OFM Content Manager Elzette Boucher-Kruger speaks to surgeon, Dr Mark Torres-Holmes: 

Head and neck cancer can develop in several different parts of the head and neck region. Some of the most common include the following:

• Oral (mouth) cavity
• Larynx (voice box)
• Pharynx (throat)
• Thyroid
• Nasal cavity and sinuses
• Nasopharynx (the region behind the nose)
• Skin and scalp

Symptoms

Each type of head and neck cancer (according to the region) may be associated with a specific group of symptoms.

• A sore throat lasting more than two weeks
• Pain or difficult swallowing
• A voice change that lasts more than two weeks
• A lump on the face, neck or nose
• A sore on the skin of the face, the eyelids, the nose, cheek, tongue roof of the mouth, throat or lip that does not heal
• A white spot in the mouth or on the tongue
• Trouble breathing, especially noisy breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty moving the tongue or tongue pain
• Blocked sinuses that do not clear
• Persistent headaches or pain in the sinus areas
• Loose teeth or painful teeth
• Changes in how dentures fit

Screening

No screening method has been proven to improve survival for people with head and neck cancers. That being said, the current advise is, that all individuals visit their primary care physician for a yearly physical The current advice is that all individuals visit their primary care physician for a yearly physical examination of the head and neck and oropharynx (the middle section of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils). Any suspicious lesion or concern raised by the general practitioner, need to be evaluated by a head and neck cancer surgeon. This will include an endoscopy (investigation with a camera) and further tests, if indicated.

Risk factors

• Tobacco is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is the single largest risk factor to develop cancer of the head and neck region.
• Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes glandular fever plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer. It’s got a higher incidence in Eskimo’s, Asians and the black population. 
• Multiple sexual partners (oral sex) can lead to the development of cancer of the throat.
• A diet low in vitamins A and B can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Inhaling wood dust, asbestos, paint fumes, and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Alcohol consumption together with smoking, doubles the risk to develop head and neck cancer.

Find further information here: www.sahnos.org