What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a group of malignant tumors originating from the head and neck region, including cancers in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands and other parts of the body. Head and neck cancers are mostly squamous cell carcinomas that originate from the mucosal tissue covering the surfaces of these organs. Each type of head and neck cancer differs according to its specific location, pathological characteristics and development pattern, but the common feature is that it has a greater impact on the patient's quality of life and organ function.

1.Oral cancer: including cancers of the tongue, gums, buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth and other parts of the mouth. Early symptoms may include persistent mouth sores or pain.

2.Nasopharyngeal cancer: occurs at the top of the nasopharyngeal cavity and is more common in Asians. Symptoms often include nasal congestion, tinnitus, hearing loss, and nosebleeds.

3.Laryngeal cancer: Tumors originating in the larynx can cause hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or discomfort in swallowing.

4.Pharyngeal cancer: including oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, etc., usually manifests as throat pain, difficulty swallowing and other symptoms.

5.Salivary gland cancer: relatively rare, occurs in the major or minor salivary glands and manifests as salivary gland swelling or pain.

The occurrence of head and neck cancer is related to many factors. Tobacco and alcohol are the main carcinogens, and their synergistic effect can significantly increase the risk of disease. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related to oropharyngeal cancer, while EBvirus infection is closely related to nasopharyngeal cancer. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to harmful chemicals (such as asbestos), poor nutrition, chronic inflammation, and family genetics.

The diagnosis of head and neck cancer relies on physical examination and imaging examinations (such as CT, MRI, PETscan), endoscopy and tissue biopsy. Early diagnosis is critical to the effectiveness of treatment. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Surgery is often used for local excision of disease, radiation therapy is used for local or regional cancer control, and chemotherapy is used for advanced or metastatic disease. In recent years, the application of targeted drugs and immunotherapy has provided more treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer.

The prognosis for head and neck cancer depends on the type, stage and response to treatment. Early treatment usually provides better outcomes, but locally advanced or metastatic disease has a poorer prognosis. Measures to prevent head and neck cancer include quitting smoking and drinking, preventing HPV infection (such as getting the HPV vaccine), maintaining good oral hygiene and regular health check-ups.

(Common head and neck cancer treatment drugs include: repotinib, toripalimab, pembrolizumab, cetuximab, nivolumab, etc. For specific drug details, please see the homepage of the website or click for consultation.)