Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that originate in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region, typically beginning in the moist lining of mucosal surfaces.
Comprising about
4% of new cancer cases, men are more susceptible to develop head and neck cancers than women. The majority of head and neck cancer cases are associated with the
use of tobacco,
alcohol consumption, and the
human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
While head and neck cancers are relatively uncommon compared to other types of cancer, they can still have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Understanding the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer is important for early detection and effective treatment.
Classifications of Head and Neck Cancer
There are different types of head and neck cancers, with the most common affecting the squamous cells in surfaces that line the head and neck, such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, lymph nodes, larynx, pharynx, and salivary glands.
Statistics are not available for all head and neck cancers, but according to the
American Cancer Society, in 2024, 58,450 diagnoses of oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer and 12,650 of laryngeal cancer are expected, with 12,230 and 3,880 deaths, respectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer presents a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes and quality of life for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
It is important to consult with a physician if any of the following
symptoms are experienced on a persistent basis:
- A sore throat that doesn't go away after a few weeks
- Hoarseness or other changes in voice quality for an extended period
- Lumps, bumps, or masses in the head and neck area
- Persistent headache
- White or red patches in the mouth that do not heal
- Facial numbness or paralysis
- Unexplained ear pain or ringing of the ears that doesn't improve
- Chronic congestion or sinus issues that don't respond to typical treatments
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, moving the jaw or tongue, breathing, speaking
- Significant weight loss
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area
- Foul or sour-smelling breath
- Excessive fatigue
Proton Therapy as a Treatment Option for Head and Neck Cancer
Proton therapy offers several advantages when it comes to treating head and neck cancer. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses photons to deliver radiation, proton therapy utilizes a precision-targeted approach that conforms to the shape, size, and depth of each tumor. This allows for more accurate delivery of higher doses of radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs, and long-term toxicity outcomes for patients.
Proton therapy can also be particularly beneficial for treating tumors located near sensitive organs such as the brainstem, spinal cord, and eyes. By precisely targeting tumors and sparing healthy tissues, proton therapy can reduce the risk of neurological complications and vision problems typically associated with traditional radiation therapy.
In addition to its clinical benefits, proton therapy offers practical advantages for patients. Many patients experience fewer side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes, allowing them to maintain a higher quality of life during and after treatment.
By raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer and promoting the benefits of proton therapy, more patients can access the care to fight this disease and improve long-term outcomes.