Head and Neck Tumors

Head and neck tumors are a group of cancers united by their anatomical location; they mainly develop in the squamous cells of the epithelium. Recently, this type of cancer has accounted for a significant share of the overall oncological morbidity statistics. Head and neck tumors are diagnosed more frequently in men than in women, although today there is also a trend toward an increasing incidence of this type of oncology in women.

Thanks to the capabilities of modern medicine and the high expertise of the physicians working at the National Medical Research Radiological Centre”, head and neck tumors can be treated successfully and effectively. The Center provides a full range of therapeutic measures, including combined treatment (radiation and chemotherapy plus surgical intervention), as well as minimally invasive, organpreserving, and reconstructive plastic surgeries — which are extremely important for patients in this oncological category.

This branch of oncology includes the following types of cancer:

• laryngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer;
• cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses;
• nasopharyngeal cancer;
• oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer — oral cavity cancer can be considered one of the most common types falling under the “head and neck tumors” category;
• tongue cancer;
• salivary gland cancer (a rare type of oncology).

The “head and neck tumors” group does not include such oncological conditions as lymphatic system cancer, brain cancer, and eye tumors.

Head and neck tumors belong to a field of oncology where aesthetic considerations are particularly acute. However, if a patient seeks medical advice promptly upon noticing any troubling symptoms, oncology can be diagnosed at an early stage and treatment can be started quickly, minimizing the risk of facial defects.

Symptoms and Signs of Malignant Head and Neck Tumors

Head and neck tumors are characterized by noticeable symptoms that a person can identify independently, raising suspicion of oncology and enabling timely initiation of treatment.
Pay attention to the following signs of the disease, and if any of them are present, make an appointment with an oncologist immediately:

• a sore inside the mouth or nose that persists for 2–3 weeks;
• persistent rashes or coating inside the mouth or in the pharynx;
• discomfort while eating (pain or difficulty when swallowing food);
• distortion of voice timbre or other voice changes;
• persistent pain in the upper respiratory tract without signs of an acute respiratory viral infection;
• asymmetric ear pain;
• localized swelling or a lump on the face or head;
• local numbness of the soft tissues of the head;
• continuous nosebleeds.

Another warning sign of oncology — in particular, head and neck tumors — may be enlarged cervical lymph nodes persisting for a month, especially if accompanied by the above symptoms. In such a situation, you should consult a doctor immediately to determine the causes of these manifestations and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Causes and Risk Factors for Head and Neck Tumors

Risk factors for oncology, particularly head and neck tumors, stem from a combination of causes such as age, harmful habits, human papillomavirus (HPV), and others. However, chronic tobacco and alcohol dependence is generally considered the main cause of any head and neck tumor. Moreover, when these dependencies coexist, the likelihood of developing the disease increases manyfold.
Factors that provoke head and neck tumors include:

• chronic tobacco and alcohol dependence — head and neck tumors are provoked not only by cigarette smoking but also by chewing tobacco;
• sex — head and neck tumors are more commonly diagnosed in men;
• age — people over 45 years of age (both men and women) are more susceptible to the disease;
• EpsteinBarr virus and human papillomavirus — the detection of strains of these viruses in the human body may be a factor influencing the development of head and neck tumors;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during periods of high UV radiation;
• regular presence in environments with elevated concentrations of harmful chemical elements in the air.

This type of oncology (head and neck tumors) can be prevented through preventive measures. Review your lifestyle, undergo regular preventive medical checkups, and consult a doctor whenever in doubt to ensure timely diagnosis and successful treatment.

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers

Initial diagnosis of a head and neck tumor involves a consultation with a specialized oncologist, collection of medical history, and identification of the patient’s complaints and associated symptoms.

Based on the findings, the physician determines which investigations are needed in each specific case to establish whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Key diagnostic methods include:

• patient examination;
• endoscopic examination;
• biopsy (various techniques are used depending on the location of the tumor process);
• radiological examination;
• MRI, CT, and PETCT screening.

Note that the list of required examinations is determined by the oncologist after consultation and physical examination.

Treatment of Head and Neck Tumors

The treatment plan for head and neck tumors is developed individually, based on several factors:

• tumor location;
• disease stage;
• patient’s age;
• current health status aside from oncology;
• concomitant and chronic diseases.

Additionally, the method of treatment and removal of the head and neck tumor depends on whether it is benign or malignant.
At different stages of cancer development, surgeries of varying degrees of invasiveness are performed. For example, if a cancerous tumor is detected at an early stage, there is a high probability that an organpreserving surgery can be carried out. In this case, the rehabilitation period will be much faster and more effective, helping to restore vital functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing.
Depending on the diagnosis, malignant head and neck tumors are removed using various approaches. For instance, in cases of “oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer” at an early stage, a small tumor may be removed transorally, which helps avoid scars on the face and neck. However, for advancedstage cancer, a more radical operation involving removal of the affected organ and longterm combined treatment may be required.
After surgical treatment, a rehabilitation course is carried out, primarily including reconstructive plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons perform reconstructive operations using both artificial materials and the patient’s own soft tissues as grafts.

Rehabilitation

Head and neck tumors are a type of oncology that, depending on the location, affects not only internal organs but also the face directly. Naturally, this creates certain psychological difficulties for the patient.
The main goal of rehabilitation is to reduce the likelihood of disability, maximize the restoration of functions of organs affected by treatment, and correct cosmetic defects. The set of rehabilitation measures includes reconstructiveplastic surgeries, psychological therapy, and work with a speech therapist.