In this article, we will discuss about Neck Cancer, its symptoms, types, causes and tests. We will also discuss some questions related to neck cancer.
Neck cancer is a collective name for group of diseases or cancers that occur in the organs and tissues present in the neck. This also includes some parts of the head so the term most often used for these cancers in neck and head cancers. These cancers occur in the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands, lymph nodes and other soft tissues that are associated with the neck. There is not the single cause of the neck cancer; there are various risk factors which can lead to the condition of the neck cancers.
These conditions include smoking, environmental exposure of chemicals, irritants, occupations pollutants, genetic mutations and other similar conditions which can lead to the condition of neck cancer. There are various symptoms which can point towards the neck cancer and these signs include persistent sore throat, fever, unexplained weight loss etc. More serious symptoms can include the lumps and not able to swallow food can be the sign of neck cancer. Like any other cancer, early detection of neck cancer is important for the treatment and cure of the disease. We can also able to manage the symptoms and spread if the condition is detected early.
List the Symptoms of Neck Cancer
There are various symptoms which can be the sign of the neck cancer and these symptoms include:
- Swelling in neck
- Lump in the neck
- Not able to swallow
- Breathing issues
- Change in the voice
- Earache
- Pain in the neck
- Not able to explain weight loss
- Lymph node swelling
- Ulcers in the neck
- Bleeding in the neck
- Difficulty in moving neck
- Mouth ulcers
- Bleeding in gums
List of Causes of Neck Cancer
There is not any specific cause of the neck cancer but various risk factors are responsible for the condition of Neck Cancer and these include:
Various risk factors leading to the condition include:
1. Tobacco use: The use of tobacco in any form is one of the major risk factor which can lead to the condition of neck cancer. There are various other factors but tobacco consumption is one the main risk factor.
2. Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption is excess can lead to the condition of neck cancer. This is also considered to be one of the main risk factors for the condition, limit the alcohol and keep the track of the health conditions.
3. Human papillomavirus (HPV): Infection of the HPV virus is factors that are associated with almost all type of cancers in the body. Neck cancer is not isolated from this risk factor and this infection is considered to be one of the risk factors of the condition.
4. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Another viral infection associated with the neck cancer is the EBV virus. Apart from the neck cancer this is also associated with the other type of cancers in the body.
5. Exposure to harmful chemicals for the long time: Exposure to the environmental irritants, harmful chemicals and occupations hazards is also one of the factors that can lead to the neck cancer abnormalities.
6. Radiation exposure: Exposure of person to the harmful radiations is also one of the risk factors leading to the neck cancer. Keep a check for the exposure of body towards radiations and other harmful rays that can lead to the neck cancer.
7. Poor oral hygiene: No keeping the check of the oral hygiene which can lead to the infections in the mouth is also considered on of the risk factors for the neck cancer.
8. Diet low in fruits and vegetables: Consuming packed diet, roasted diet which is low in fruits, vegetables and fibers can lead to the condition of neck cancer.
9. Genetic factors: Genetics is an important risk factor, family history, mutations in genes that trigger cell division in uncontrolled manner is the risk factor of the neck cancer.
List of Types of Neck Cancer
There are various types of neck cancers depend on the location, cells that are involved or causing factor. Here is the list of neck cancer types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Laryngeal cancer
- Hypopharyngeal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Salivary gland tumors
- Soft tissue sarcomas and lymphomas
List of Tests Used for the Diagnosis of the Neck Cancer
Diagnosis is important part of the disease, early detection and diagnosis helps in effective treatment of the condition and here are some tests:
- Physical examination
- Neck Ultrasound (Book Now)
- MRI Neck (Book Now)
- NCCT Neck (Book Now)
- CECT Neck (Book Now)
List of Treatments for the Neck Cancer
Treatment for any type of cancer depends on the cause, type and the stage of the cancer. The treatment is also influenced by the medical condition or medical history of the patient.
Here is the list of treatments used for the neck cancer:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Rehabilitation
List of Preventive Measure for the Neck Cancer:
- Quitting smoking and
- Avoiding tobacco in any form.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Practicing safe sex to
- Reduce HPV infection risk.
- Eating a balanced
- Diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Regular dental checkups
- HPV vaccination
Conclusion
Neck cancer is not the single medical condition but it is the group of medical disease which can be under the heading of neck and head cancer. These cancers occur in the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands, lymph nodes and other soft tissues that are associated with the neck. There is not the single cause of the neck cancer; there are various risk factors which can lead to the condition of the neck cancers. These conditions include smoking, environmental exposure of chemicals, irritants, occupations pollutants, genetic mutations and other similar conditions which can lead to the condition of neck cancer.
There are various symptoms which are related to the neck cancer and these include lumps in the neck, difficulty in swallowing, not able to breath, gum bleeding etc. there is not any particular single cause of the condition but it involves various risk factors which can lead to this condition. Various risk factors for the condition include smoking, exposure to irritants, environmental factors etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is neck cancer fatal?
Yes, if not detected and treated early.
Is neck cancer treatable?
It depends on the stage of the cancer; early detected cancers are manageable and treatable.
Which treatments are available for neck cancer?
Various treatments available for neck cancer include radiation therapy, medications, chemotherapy etc.
Which tests are available for neck cancer?
Various tests used for the diagnosis of neck cancer include CT, PET, MRI, blood tests etc.
Which risk factors are responsible for neck cancer?
Various risk factors responsible for neck cancer include smoking, alcohol, exposure to radiations etc.
Can HPV virus cause neck cancer?
Yes, HPV virus is one of the risk factors of the neck cancer.
Which are visible symptoms of neck cancer?
Visible symptoms of the neck cancer include lump in the neck, not able to swallow, not able to make movements of the neck, weight loss etc.
List some preventive measures of neck cancer?
There are various preventive measures which can help to prevent neck cancer and these include quit smoking, limit alcohol, limit exposure to radiations etc.
Can cigarette smoking cause neck cancer?
Cigarette smoking is considered one of the causes of neck cancer.
Can neck cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, neck cancer in later stages can spread to other parts of the body.
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