A set of tumors with physiologically comparable characteristics that develop in the head and neck region (which includes the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, larynx (voice box), salivary glands, and thyroid) is referred to as head and neck cancer (H&N cancer). Together, H&N malignancies are the sixth most common type of cancer in the globe, and they account for roughly 40% of all cancer cases in South East Asia, including India. H&N cancer is now a topic that is more understood and controlled thanks to advancements made in the last several decades in all areas of oncology (surgical, radiation, and medical).
Depending on where the disease originated, different H&N cancer symptoms may be present. These initially might not. Due to this trait, individuals with H&N cancer frequently appear with advanced diseases. Because of this, it’s crucial for adults over 40 to get screened for cancer every year, especially if they use cigarettes or alcohol heavily. Any of the following must be treated by a head and neck surgeon if present for longer than four weeks:
- a lip, tongue, or mouth ulcer that won’t heal
- a white or red spot on the tongue, gums, or mouth’s lining
- unable to stick out the tongue
- inability to adequately open the mouth
- gum swelling that makes it difficult for dentures to fit comfortably
- unusual bleeding, discomfort, or numbness in the cheek or mouth
- Increasing cheek thickness
- Missing teeth
- Earache/headache
- a persistent aching throat or the sensation of having something stuck in the throat
- Unsteady speech
voice alteration or hoarseness
discomfort or difficulty swallowing
Having trouble breathing
swelling under the jaw and/or around it, which may be accompanied by numbness or facial paralysis on one side. Loss of weight
swelling that travels with swallowing along the lower neck’s midline
neck tumors that are progressively growing larger
Sputum with blood streaks
Expertise
At the Rohilkhand Cancer Institute of Cancer Care, we offer the most cutting-edge cancer therapies based on international standards and cutting-edge technology. We firmly believe in providing our patients with high-quality care, encouragement, and assurance. In order to achieve the best results overall in cancer care, medical experts from various specialities must implement an individual patient care plan. As a result, the Rohilkhand Cancer Institute Care’s Head and Neck DMG (Disease Management Group) is run by a committed and knowledgeable group of medical professionals who specialize in treating head and neck cancers. Radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nuclear medicine specialists, speech and swallowing specialists, and others make up this team.
physicians, occupational therapists, dietitians, prosthodontists, dentists, and rehabilitation specialists who offer patients with benign and malignant head and neck tumors tailored and individualized care.
In a Head and Neck Tumor Board meeting, the Team gathers and thoroughly discusses each case to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible while keeping in mind their individual needs. The team meets frequently to analyze patient responses to the prescribed treatments and the treatment
Having professionals from each of these fields ensures that a patient’s treatment plan is thorough and coordinated—not just during the actual treatment phase, but also after it has ended, for better recovery and rehabilitation and a better quality of life moving forward. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. are all part of the treatment.
Approach
According to Rohilkhand Cancer Institute Cancer, every patient’s condition is distinctive. Therefore, based on the talks at the tumor board, our team of oncology professionals creates a “tailored treatment plan”. Experts from Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Pathology, Imaging, and allied fields collaborate on the Tumor Board to develop the most effective treatment strategy. In order for our patients and caregivers to fully comprehend the disease and the course of treatment, we actively review and enhance our protocols.
A thorough physical examination and evaluation of the medical history are carried out by the examining clinician when a patient is suspected of having head and neck cancer. Depending on the area of suspicion, additional diagnostic procedures are carried out. To definitively diagnose cancer, a biopsy (the analysis of a tissue sample from a suspicious location under a microscope) or FNAC is required.
The treatment strategy differs from patient to patient depending on a number of variables, including the stage of the tumor, where it is located, the patient’s age, general health, what they do for a living, etc.
If additional risk factors for cancer recurrence are found in the final histopathology report, additional therapy may be considered in the case of early-stage cancer, which is treated with surgery or radiation.
Surgery and radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy, are the treatments for locally advanced malignancies.
Treatment is not intended to cure highly advanced malignancies that have spread to vital organs or other areas of the body. Depending on the patient’s overall health, palliative therapy can be used in conjunction with radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to extend the life and improve quality of life.
Tech & Procedure
The Rohilkhand Cancer Institute Care is the first hospital in Uttar Pradesh India to use Tx for stereotactic radiosurgery/radiation therapy (SRS/SRT), hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), radiosurgery, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). It also has a cutting-edge Da Vinci XI Robotic System for treating difficult diseases including cancer and heart tumors. This represents the cutting edge of minimally invasive surgery technology. The device has a 3D vision system that can rotate and flex faster than a human wrist.
In addition to taking a thorough medical history, including signs and symptoms, the doctor may order the following tests to determine whether the patient has head and neck cancer.
inspection of the body
Endoscopy
Molecular analysis of the barium/X-ray swallows for tumors
sweeping radiograph
Ultrasound
Tomography scan using computers (CT Scan)
Scan with Magnetic Resonance (MRI Scan)
Emission of Positron Computerized Tomography Scan for Tomography (PET-CT Scan)
Rohilkhand Cancer Institute Cancer’s available therapies include:
Surgery
When surgery is the only therapeutic option, the ultimate goal is a cure, which is attainable when the lymph nodes and tumor are both removed with good margins all around.
Wide Excision: Depending on the affected region, Wide Excision could also involve an adjacent building. For instance, in some circumstances, a rim or portion of the jaw bone may be removed to ensure that obtaining a microscopic clean margin is not compromised.
Partial laryngectomy: When surgery is required and appropriate, partial laryngectomy is carried out. This really aids in voice preservation.
Neck Dissection: The neck is dissected to preserve the shoulder’s appearance and functionality.