Head and Neck Cancer: When 'Hoarseness' or 'Difficulty Swallowing' Signals Danger

SadaNews - Doctors warn that head and neck cancer can develop silently, with symptoms that seem simple or transient, making early diagnosis a critical factor in saving lives and improving treatment opportunities.

In an article published on the CuídatePlus Spanish website, this type of cancer was highlighted, reviewing its warning symptoms and associated risk factors, while emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection.

According to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in Spain, despite limited awareness about it. Beatriz Castillo, an oncologist at La Paz Hospital in Madrid, explains that occurrences are still more prevalent among men, particularly laryngeal cancer, while oral cavity cancer appears more frequently among women.

The figures indicate a significant increase in cases of oral pharyngeal cancer linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially among the youth, in contrast to a decline in some other types due to falling smoking rates. Nonetheless, tobacco and alcohol account for about 75% to 85% of cases, with the risk doubling when both are used together.

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

The term encompasses a group of malignant tumors that affect the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and other parts of the upper digestive tract. These cancers are known as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Additionally, head and neck cancers can begin in the salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck, and despite the diversity of these tumors, squamous cancer remains the most common, asserting that the different characteristics of each type impose variations in treatment approaches and responses.

Risk Factors and Prevention

The causes of the disease are largely known and include smoking, alcohol consumption, infection with HPV or Epstein-Barr virus, along with factors such as genetic predisposition, occupational exposures, unhealthy diet, and radiation exposure in the head and neck area, which is a risk factor for salivary gland cancer.

Infection with cancer-causing types of HPV, particularly type 16, is a risk factor for cancers of the oral pharynx affecting the tonsils or the base of the tongue. In the United States, the incidence of oral pharyngeal cancers resulting from HPV infection is on the rise.

Symptoms Not to Ignore

Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of treatment, as there are several warning symptoms that warrant attention, including difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent pain in the mouth or throat, non-healing ulcers, changes in voice, unexplained weight loss, and the appearance of a lump or swelling in the neck.

One should be cautious not to underestimate these signs, and a doctor should be consulted immediately if any symptom persists for more than two or three weeks, avoiding normalizing symptoms or postponing examination.

Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference

The warning of the disease is closely linked to the stage of diagnosis and tumor location, with five-year survival rates ranging between 30% and 85%.

Despite significant advancements in treatment methods, from surgery and radiation to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, early diagnosis remains the most crucial factor in improving survival chances.

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