Focusing on Head and Neck Cancers

By Marva Bohen, M.S., R.N.

Despite the many significant advances in the war on cancer, cancer of the head and neck is especially deadly if not found and treated early. In fact, it kills more people each year than melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer) and cervical cancer. 

The disease is most common in men and in people over age 50. The National Cancer Institute estimates that most head and neck cancers are linked to alcohol and tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, chewing tobacco, and dipping snuff. In fact, tobacco use accounts for the majority of oral cavity cancers. Longtime users of smokeless tobacco products have a particularly high risk of developing the disease. The good news is that stopping tobacco use, even after many years, can greatly reduce your risk of oral cavity cancer.

Cancer that starts in the oral cavity the lips, gums, tongue, inside of the mouth, and back of the throat is the most common and deadliest type of head and neck cancer. Symptoms include a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth. 

Cancer of the lip also can be caused by overexposure to the sun. You can help reduce your risk by using a lip balm containing sunscreen or by wearing a hat. 

An increasing number of young people are also being diagnosed with oral cancer and researchers are studying the possible connection between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer, and some oral cancers.

Like all types of cancer, early detection of oral cavity cancer is key to successfully treating the disease. Regular dental checkups that include an examination of the entire mouth and monthly self-examination are important to maintaining oral health. 

Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx, or voice box, is the second most common type of head and neck cancer. We use the larynx when we breathe, talk, or swallow.

Depending on the size and location of the tumor, symptoms of laryngeal cancer include hoarseness or other changes in the voice, a lump on the neck, a sore throat, or an earache. Tumors in the lower part of the larynx can make it hard to breathe, and breathing may be noisy. 

A cough that doesn't go away or the feeling of a lump in the throat are other symptoms. In some cases, a tumor in the larynx can make it hard to swallow. Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor immediately or make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist (called an otolaryngologist).

People with laryngeal cancer are often treated by surgically removing the larynx to help stop the spread of cancer. When this happens, the person must use a mechanical device or use other techniques to speak.

Many research studies are underway to improve the treatment of head and neck cancers, including a University of Minnesota study to determine which treatment method is most effective for saving the larynx or voice box of a patient with laryngeal cancer.