Every Patient Deserves
Best Care and Treatment
Dr. Bhavana Parikh DNB (Oncosurgery)
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Ahmedabad
Head and Neck Cancer
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENTS, CAUSES
Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for head & neck cancer. About 85% of head & neck cancers are linked to tobacco use. Quitting tobacco and regular screening can reduce head & neck cancer risk.
About Head & Neck Cancer
Are you or a loved one facing the daunting challenge of head and neck cancer? At Aurum Cancer Care, we understand the physical and emotional toll this diagnosis can bring. With our cutting-edge facilities, compassionate approach, and expert team led by Dr. Bhavana Parikh, we offer comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.
Head and neck cancer encompasses a range of malignancies affecting various structures in the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, throat, larynx, sinuses, and salivary glands. Symptoms can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer but may include:
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent pain during swallowing
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Persistent nasal congestion or sinus problems
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Changes in voice or speech
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes, and our team at Aurum Cancer Care is here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Aurum Cancer Care?
Multidisciplinary Approach: At Aurum Cancer Care, we believe in a collaborative approach to cancer treatment. Our multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and supportive care specialists who work together to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care. From advanced diagnostic imaging to precision radiation therapy and minimally invasive surgical techniques, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options under one roof.
Patient-Centered Care: We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, which is why we prioritize compassionate care and support for our patients and their families. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be treated with empathy, respect, and understanding by our dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
Expertise of Dr. Bhavana Parikh: Dr. Bhavana Parikh is a renowned oncologist with years of experience in treating head and neck cancer. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence have earned her recognition as one of the best doctors in the field. Dr. Parikh is dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient, utilizing the latest advancements in cancer treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Comprehensive Support Services: In addition to medical treatment, we offer a range of support services to help our patients cope with the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of cancer treatment. From nutritional counseling to pain management and psychological support, we’re here to ensure that you receive holistic care throughout your cancer journey.
At Aurum Cancer Care, our mission is to provide hope, healing, and support to individuals affected by cancer. If you or a loved one is facing head and neck cancer, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhavana Parikh and learn more about our comprehensive treatment options.
Symptoms
Oral Cancer
Oral cancers often arise on the tongue, lips, the floor of the mouth, minor salivary glands and on the gums.
Symptoms: Major symptoms of oral cancer are persistent mouth sores, a lump or thickening in the cheek, a white and/or red patch on the gums, tongue and cheeks, unusual or persistent bleeding, and pain or numbness in the mouth.
Throat Cancer
Throat cancer refers to the cancerous growth on the windpipe, food pipe, and tumour that arises from the glands in the neck. It also includes the cancers of different parts of the pharynx, namely nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx along with larynx (voice box).
Symptoms: Common symptoms associated with throat cancer are a persistent lump or bump in the throat, sores that do not heal, persistent sore throat, earache and altered hearing and difficulties with breathing and talking.
Paranasal, Sinuses and Nasal Cavity Cancer
This form of cancer refers to the formation of malignant (cancer) cells in the tissues of the paranasal, sinuses and nasal cavity.
Symptoms: Major symptoms may include nasal blockage, nosebleed, swelling in the eyes and partial or complete loss of vision.
Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary gland cancer refers to the growth of tumours in the salivary glands. It commonly occurs in the parotid gland, which is one of the salivary glands, located just in front of the ear.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of salivary gland cancer are painless lumps in the regions of the ear, cheek, jaw, lips or mouth, fluid draining from the ear, swallowing difficulties, difficulty opening the mouth, numbness or weakness in the face and facial pain.
Causes
Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for head and neck cancer. An estimated 85 per cent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and 75 per cent of head and neck cancers are associated with the combination of tobacco and alcohol use.
Other primary risk factors include:
- Gender: Men are more likely to have head and neck cancers than women.
- Age: Head and neck cancers are more commonly seen in people over the age of 50.
- HPV Infection: Prolonged HPV or human papillomavirus may also lead to head and neck cancers.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight may increase the risk of lip cancer, which is a type of oral cancer.
- Dental Trauma: Trauma caused due to sharp teeth is also observed to cause oral cancers.
Diagnosis
There are various diagnostic procedures to detect and diagnose head and neck cancers:
a. Physical Examination: This is also a screening method for head and neck cancers. During the physical exam, the doctor looks for lumps on the neck, lips, gums, and cheeks. Insides of the mouth are checked for red or white patches, persistent bleeding, unhealed ulcers, etc. The nose, mouth, throat, and tongue are also inspected for abnormalities.
b. Endoscopy: This procedure uses a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope to examine the regions of the throat down to the oesophagus for the signs of head and neck cancers.
c. Biopsy: A biopsy involves the removal of a small amount of tissue from the suspected area, which is later examined under the microscope for cancer cells.
d. Molecular Testing of Tumour: Molecular tests are performed to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumour. The results from these tests help specialists in planning targeted therapy.
e. Imaging: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, CT scan or PET-CT scan may be recommended to get detailed images of the region that is suspected to be affected by cancer.
Treatment
Optimal treatment for head and neck cancers depends on the location of the cancer and its stage. The treatment protocols use a multidisciplinary approach and focus on preserving the functions of nearby nerves, tissues and organs
The main treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Early cancers (stage 1 and stage 2 cancers) are treated with a single modality treatment, either surgery or radiotherapy. Whereas, locally advanced cancers (stage 3 and stage 4 cancers) are treated with combined modality treatment, which involves either surgery and radiotherapy or chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
a. Surgery
Surgery is performed to remove the cancerous tumour and some of the healthy tissue around it called the margin of head and neck tumours. As these cancers are limited to the site of origin, surgery is the most commonly opted treatment modality.
Surgery may also be performed to obtain a diagnosis of the tumour. Apart from this, surgery may be opted for:
- 1. Neck Dissection: It is performed to remove cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.
- 2. Reconstructive Surgery: When cancer surgery requires major tissue removal, such as tissues in the jaw, skin, tongue or pharynx, reconstructive surgery is performed, which is aimed towards restoring the patient’s appearance and functions of the affected area. Tissues taken from various body parts such as the forearm, thigh or chest, replace the tissues excised from the head and neck region.
- 3. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Through minimally invasive surgery, doctors operate tumours in the head and neck region using specialised instruments like an endoscope, lasers, and energy devices that are coupled with a surgical microscope and a robot. The primary goal of minimally invasive surgery is to, minimise tissue disruption and pain, while still performing safe and effective cancer surgery. The biggest advantage of this approach is that there is little or no change in speech, swallowing or appearance after cancer surgery; this translates to early recovery after the treatment.
b. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment modality wherein high-energy radiation is delivered to the target area to kill the cancer cells and shrink the tumour growth. The key advantage of radiation therapy is the precision in its action, through which it reduces the damage caused to the surrounding tissues. There are two ways by which the radiation is delivered to the target area:
- 1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): EBRT involves the delivery of high-energy X-rays or proton beams from outside the body to the location of the tumour, where it destroys the cancer cells.
- 2. Brachytherapy: In this type of radiation therapy, the source of radiation, known as an implant or seed, is placed inside or next to the cancerous mass. It allows the delivery of high radiation doses specifically to the cancer tissue without affecting the adjacent healthy tissues.
c. Systemic Therapy
Systemic therapies act on the entire body and help in treating the cancerous growths wherever they are located, including the ones that are too small to detect.
- 1. Chemotherapy is the third major treatment modality, wherein potent drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells, by affecting their ability to grow and reproduce. Chemotherapy is generally used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery. It is sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms too.
- 2. Targeted therapy is a unique form of cancer treatment that depends on tumour biology. It specifically aims at inhibiting tumour growth and metastasis by targeting the tumour microenvironment or focusing on specific proteins. The goal of specific molecular targeting in cancer treatment is to create a “magic bullet” that selectively kills the cancer cells while sparing normal or healthy cells.
- 3. Immunotherapy or biological therapy is another form of systemic therapy that stimulates the body’s natural defences to fight cancer. It uses materials synthesised either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function. The only form of immunotherapy approved by the FDA for head and neck cancers is the ‘Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors’. Through a complex set of mechanisms, these checkpoint inhibitors signal the immune system to recognise the cancer cells and attack them.
Complementary therapies are the therapies used along with the conventional treatment modalities. These therapies promote overall wellbeing in patients by alleviating the temporary after-effects of the treatment given, reducing emotional stress, and naturally boosting the immune system in patients.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Symptoms may include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, changes in voice, and unexplained bleeding. Early detection is key for effective treatment.
What causes head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer can be caused by various factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, exposure to certain chemicals, and genetic predisposition.
How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs, and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
What treatment options are available for head and neck cancer?
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
What are the potential side effects of head and neck cancer treatment?
Different head and neck cancer treatments are associated with different side effects. Radiation therapy may lead to fatigue, weight loss, and pain with swallowing. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, may cause nausea, low blood counts, and changes in taste. A few side effects, like nausea, wear off as soon as the treatment ends. However, other side effects, like fatigue and discomfort with swallowing, take some time to improve.
Why choose Aurum Cancer Care for head and neck cancer treatment?
Aurum Cancer Care offers state-of-the-art facilities, a multidisciplinary team of experts, and personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs, under the leadership of Dr. Bhavana Parikh, a renowned oncologist specializing in head and neck cancer.
What sets Dr. Bhavana Parikh apart as a specialist in head and neck cancer?
Dr. Bhavana Parikh is known for her expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence in cancer care. With years of experience and a focus on personalized treatment, she ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.
What is the role of surgery in head and neck cancer treatment?
Surgery may be used to remove cancerous tumors and affected tissues, either alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
How does radiation therapy work in treating head and neck cancer?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
What supportive care services are available at Aurum Cancer Care?
Aurum Cancer Care provides comprehensive support services, including nutritional counseling, pain management, psychological support, and assistance with practical needs, to help patients cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
How can I schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhavana Parikh at Aurum Cancer Care?
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhavana Parikh or learn more about our head and neck cancer treatment options, please contact Aurum Cancer Care at [contact information]. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
