The extensive use of tobacco has brought this modern plague called Neck cancer upon us. A vast majority is suffering from its ill effects. Records say approximately 5,50,000 cases of throat cancer are seen every year. Having such wide reach, it’s our solemn duty to educate the readers about how devastating this disease could be.
Here are 6 things about neck cancer –
Cancer is the condition when abnormal cells uncontrollably divide in any part of the human body. Typically, a normal cell would grow, perform its function, and then die to be replaced by new ones. In this situation, the cell does not die but multiple uncontrollably to a level where it becomes a tumor and could be seen and felt. These tumorous formations start attacking the organs to change the healthy cells into cancer cells.
When such tumor buds in any part of head or neck its called neck cancer. Such form could be found in the tongue, gums, inner cheek, palate, larynx, pharynx, nose, salivary glands etc. these cells can spread to the lymph nodes too.
Generally, numerous mentioned areas depict different signs and symptoms. So, it’s difficult to judge the condition. However, certain signs can be mutual to a certain extent-
• A sore throat
• Difficulty in swallowing food and water
• Unknown reason for weight loss
• Swelling of eyes, nose and jaw area
• Bleeding in nose and mouth
• Change in voice
• A permanent cough
• A perpetual lump in any area of the neck
• Ear pain
• Breathing problem
The reason behind healthy cells showing such abnormal behavior is still known. And we cannot detect these changes on a cellular level too. But there are certain factors which elevate the risk of developing neck cancer-
Too much alcohol and tobacco are the prime reasons for developing cancer in any part
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, the medical condition where the stomach acid leaks back into the food pipe
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transferred disease which can contribute to cancer development
Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV, a virus found in the salivary glands
For diagnosis, you might visit your nearest oncologist. He might perform some imaging test like CT scan, and x-ray. To get a better picture he might put a tube in your throat with a lens and light mounted and get a sample for lab testing. If found positive the doctor determines which stage the patient is in and the treatment plan will be formed accordingly.
Neck Cancer Treatment largely depends on the stage the patient’s in, the tumor size and location. The most common treatment methods are as follows-
Surgery-
The tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue are removed from the body. If needed a cosmetic reconstruction surgery follows to recover any deformity left in the original surgery.
Radiation Therapy-
Using targeted high-intensity rays on the affected area, in order to rip off the cancer cells from their reproduction capacity.
Chemotherapy-
Using extreme drugs to shrink the tumor size or any other rapidly growing cell in the body.
