This World Cancer Day (February 4), know the warning signs, symptoms, causes and risk factors of head and neck cancers, which figure among the most common cancers in India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Head and neck cancers (HNCs) figure among the most common cancers in India mainly due to increased use of tobacco
- Head and neck cancers are commonly seen in those over the age of 50, but now seen more in younger age also
- Opt for a timely treatment like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy after consulting an oncologist
Head and neck cancer can be defined as cancer that may originate in the mouth or oral cavity, nose, salivary glands, or even in the other areas of the head and neck like pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Moreover, most of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas or cancers that begin in the lining of one’s mouth, nose, and throat except the salivary gland tumours. According to doctors, head and neck cancers (HNCs) figure among the most common cancers in India mainly due to increased use of tobacco. On World Cancer Day (February 4), we highlight the warning signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, their known causes, and why it’s important to seek timely treatment.