No matter what age or gender, cancer is a terrible disease that affects everyone. Head and neck cancer is one type of cancer that can be easily missed. Fewer than 3% of all cancers are found in the head and neck, but they can be very dangerous if they are not treated or found too late. Staying proactive can get you help for oral cancer sooner and have better results.
What is Head and Neck Cancer?
It refers to a group of cancers in the head and neck region. It includes the mouth, throat, nose, lungs, salivary glands, and other soft tissues in the head and neck. Over 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, which is one of these types of cancer.
Potential Risks
Smoking and drinking are the most significant risk factors for getting head and neck cancer. Furthermore, the
human papillomavirus (HPV) can also raise the chance of getting sick.
Displaying Signs
As the cancer spreads, its symptoms can change. Although, the most common signs are a sore or lump that won't go away in the mouth, throat, or neck, trouble eating, changes in your voice or hoarseness, and weight loss that you can't explain.
Prevention
If you want to lower your risk of getting head and neck cancer, there are some things you can do. Quitting smoking and drinking, eating well, and getting an HPV vaccine are all proven ways to avoid getting the disease. Treatments like radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and tailored therapy can help when the disease is first diagnosed.
Conclusion
Not finding head and neck cancer early enough can be very dangerous and deadly. Cigarette and alcohol use are the main risk factors, and the signs are usually sores or lumps that won't heal in the mouth, throat, or neck. Although, you can lower your chance of getting the disease by doing things like giving up smoking and drinking. Any symptoms should be reported immediately to a doctor, and
regular checkups are recommended to ensure that any possible cancers are found and handled quickly. Keep yourself aware and healthy.
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