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Head and Neck Cancers: The Facts | |
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What is it?
Oral Cancer originates in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth). The oral cavity includes the lips, the buccal mucosa (the lining inside the lips and cheeks), the teeth, the floor of the mouth under the tongue, the front two-thirds of the tongue (the portion that moves), the hard palate (the bony top of the mouth), the gums, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth. The oropharynx starts where the oral cavity stops, which includes the back one-third of the tongue, the soft palate, the tonsils, and the part of the throat behind the mouth. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors can develop in the oral cavity and the oropharynx. About 90% of cancers in the oral cavity and the oropharynx develop from squamous cells. These thin, flat cells form the epithelium (lining layer) of the larynx and hypopharynx. Cancers beginning in this layer of cells are called squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell cancer. Laryngeal Cancer Laryngeal Cancer originates in the larynx, which is the medical term for the voice box. The larynx includes the vocal cords, the area above the vocal cords (the supraglottis) and the area just below the vocal cords (subglottis). The larynx is at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Its walls are made of cartilage. The cartilage that is known as the "Adam's apple" and the cartilage just below it are the outer parts of the larynx. The vocal cords, of course, come together to produce a voice. They also open somewhat when a person breathes in to allow more air to get into the lungs. The voice box also serves the purpose of preventing food and liquids from getting into the lungs. The tissue above the vocal cords within the larynx (the supraglottis) close off during swallowing to protect the airway and lungs from getting food and water within them. Like Oral Cancer, nearly all cases of Laryngeal Cancer develop from squamous cells, which are the lining layer of the tissue. Nasopharyngeal Cancer Nasopharyngeal Cancer originates in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx lies behind the nose, below the skull base and just above the soft palate. Most nasopharyngeal tumors are malignant, or cancerous. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor of the nasopharynx. NPC tumors are classified into three categories, but all are treated the same way. Some NPC contain lots of lymphocytes. This type of NPC is called lymphoepithelioma. Lymphomas can also sometimes arise from immune system cells normally found in the nasopharynx. The treatment of nasopharyngeal lymphomas is different from that of NPC. The remainder of this document will refer exclusively to NPC. Who gets it? About 150 Rhode Island residents a year are diagnosed with a Head and Neck Cancer. Almost three times as many RI men are affected as RI women. Oral Cancer This year in the U.S., about 30,200 people are expected to be newly diagnosed with Oral Cancer (20,000 in men and 10,000 in women). About 7,800 persons (5,100 men and 2,700 women) will die of this disease in 2000. Laryngeal Cancer This year in the U.S., about 10,100 people are expected to be newly diagnosed with Laryngeal Cancer (8,100 in men and 2,000 in women). About 3,900 persons (3,100 men and 800 women) will die of this disease in 2000. Race seems to be a factor in determining the likelihood of developing Laryngeal Cancer. Laryngeal Cancer is about 50 percent more common among African Americans than among whites. Nasopharyngeal Cancer Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is relatively rare in most parts of the world. However, the incidence is much higher in areas of Asia and North Africa. In Southeast China, it accounts for about 18% of all cancers. Risk Factors There are certain risk factors that have been associated with a higher probability of developing Head and Neck Cancers. Some of these include:
How is it detected? There are several different tests that can be performed by a doctor to determine the actual cause of the symptoms and whether or not it is cancer. Each patient's individual case determines which tests are appropriate for him or her. The following descriptions are meant to provide patients with information to aid them in discussing their options with their physician. Diagnostic Tests:
Symptoms: Although there are some differences, the symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers often are very similar. Some common symptoms associated with Head and Neck Cancers include:
The above symptoms can be caused by a number of different things and do NOT necessarily mean you have a cancer of the head and neck. However, report any symptoms to your doctor immediately so that the cause can be determined. EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE TREATMENT. An early diagnosis could mean the difference between a minor procedure and a major operation! Is it curable? Like most other cancers, the survival rate for Head and Neck Cancers greatly diminishes if the cancer has spread to distant organs. Don't hesitate to report any symptoms to your doctor! Early detection and treatment are essential. Oral Cancer More than 80% of people with Oral Cancer survive if it is diagnosed at an early stage. If treatment doesn't begin until after the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 20-50%. Laryngeal Cancer More than 90% of people with Laryngeal Cancer survive if it is diagnosed at an early stage. If treatment doesn't begin until after the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 40 to 70%. Nasopharyngeal Cancer More than 80% of people with NPC survive if it is diagnosed at an early stage. It's easier to prevent cancer than to treat it.... Certain lifestyle and dietary habits can greatly reduce your risk of developing Laryngeal Cancer (as well as other cancers). Some of these include:
See also:
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Designed & maintained by: Keith McCain |