Head and neck cancers occur inside the sinuses, nose, mouth and salivary glands down through the throat. Although the cancers are different they are treated similarly, so are considered as a group.
Incidence
There are approximately 2670 cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed in Australia each year representing almost 3% of cancers diagnosed.
Screening
No routine screening tests are used. Whit plaques in the mouth (leukoplakia) may precede the development of the cancer.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms depend on the site but include:
- pain
- swelling
- hoarse voice
- difficulty swallowing
- bad breath
Diagnosis is by a biopsy obtained using an endoscope, needle or surgically.
Staging
The extent of the tumour is defined by the size of the lump and whether there is spread to lymph nodes or further to the lungs or bones. CT, MRI, bone and PET scans are used. Visual examination using an endoscope may be required.
Causes
The main causes are alcohol and tobacco consumption. Some head and neck cancers are related to human papilloma virus infection.
Prevention
Quitting smoking and quitting or reducing alcohol consumption.
Treatment
The definitive treatment for local disease is surgery to the primary lump and draining lymph glands. Full dose radiotherapy may be used in sites where functions such as speech can be preserved. Radiotherapy can be given in sequence with chemotherapy (commonly cisplatin, 5 fluorouracil or the taxanes) for more advanced cancer and both can be used for symptom relief with widespread disease.
Prognosis
At most sites, treatment of small, localised cancer results in at least 75% of patients surviving five years. With more advanced disease at diagnosis this drops to 15%.
For further information, please contact The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 (cost of a local call within Australia).