More than 70,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year, with men’s risk of developing this condition three times higher than women’s. Well-trained medical specialists at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC offer diagnosis, and treatment of Flemington head and neck cancers. Smoking and excessive intake of alcohol may increase your chances of developing this type of cancer. If you have head and neck cancer, you may experience specific symptoms such as voice hoarseness and difficulty when swallowing.
Types of head and neck cancer
Laryngeal cancer
This disease occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of your voice box, also called the larynx. The voice box is located below your throat and contains vocal cords that facilitate sound production. The larynx consists of three parts including:
· Supraglottis: This is the upper part of the voice box
· Glottis: The middle part consists of vocal cords
· Subglottis: The lower part of the larynx
Oropharyngeal cancer
The oropharynx is the middle part of your throat. Oropharyngeal cancer develops when cancer cells are found in the soft palate and base of your tongue. To diagnose this type of cancer, your specialist may use a neurological exam which involves a series of questions and tests to check your mental status and coordination. Imaging tests such as a positron emission tomography scan enable your specialist to detect cancer cells in your body.
Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
Paranasal sinuses are located in your nose and contain mucus lining that keeps the nose moist. Other types of sinuses include:
· Ethmoid sinuses found between your nose and eyes.
· Maxillary sinuses in your upper jawbone.
· Frontal sinuses are located in your forehead.
Chemicals and dust from wood may put you at risk of developing nasal cavity cancer. If you have this disease, you may experience signs and symptoms such as blocked sinuses, nose bleeding, and runny nose.
Squamous cell neck cancer
Your skin is made up of thin flat cells known as squamous cells. Cancerous cells found in your squamous cells may spread to lymph nodes on your neck. Your doctor may conduct a biopsy for examination of cancer cells. There are different biopsies that your doctor may use, including:
· Fine needle aspiration biopsy. This involves the removal of tissue or fluid using a narrow needle.
· Core needle biopsy. This is the removal of tissue using a wide needle.
· Excisional biopsy. Your doctor may cut out tissue for evaluation.
Salivary gland cancer
This type of cancer is rare, and it develops when cancer cells form in salivary glands’ tissues. It may be characterized by difficulty in swallowing and a lump. Radiation exposure may increase your chances of this condition. Your doctor may physically examine your mouth or use magnetic resonance imaging to detect and diagnose salivary gland cancer.
Lip and Oral cavity cancer
Lip and oral cavity cancer develop when cancer cells form in your lips and mouth. This type of cancer is characterized by soreness or lumps on your lips or inside the mouth. Factors such as smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption may put you at risk of developing oral cavity cancer. Your chances of recovery depend on various factors, including:
· Cancer stage
· Age and overall health condition
· Size of the tumor
For more information on treatment methods for head and neck cancer, reserve a session with your doctor at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC.