This post was written by Dr. Patricia Rich, Hematology and Oncology, Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute.
Head and neck cancers affect tens of thousands of Americans each year. In the United States, more than 65,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. While treatments continue to improve, early detection remains critical.
What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer most commonly develops in the:
Most are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they begin in the thin, flat cells lining these areas.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
If you notice any of the following symptoms for more than two or three weeks, see a doctor:
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Ongoing sore throat
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Hoarseness or voice changes
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Difficulty or pain with swallowing
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A lump in the neck
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A mouth sore that won’t heal
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Ear pain without infection
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Unexplained weight loss
Who is at risk?
Tobacco use. People who have ever smoked are about four and a half times more likely to get head and neck cancer than those who never smoked. For heavy smokers, the risk is even higher. Quitting for good can greatly lower your risk.
Alcohol use. Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day can double your risk of head and neck cancer. Using alcohol and tobacco together makes the risk much higher.
Betel nut (areca nut) chewing. Chewing betel quid can increase your risk of oral cancer by up to ten times. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists areca nut as a Group 1 carcinogen.
HPV infection HPV causes 60 to 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. These cancers have become more common, rising from 0.8 per 100,000 people in 1988–2004 to 4.6 per 100,000 in 2013–2014. HPV-positive cancers are more likely to affect younger people and usually have better outcomes. Getting the HPV vaccine lowers the risk of these cancers.
Additional risk factors also include:
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Epstein-Barr virus
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Prior radiation
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Rare genetic syndromes
Why early evaluation matters
Head and neck cancers can affect speech, swallowing and breathing. Early diagnosis may allow for less intensive treatment and improved outcomes. Regular visits to your primary care team are an ideal way to spot health issues before they become major problems. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and options for screening.
If you need help scheduling an appointment or establishing care with a provider, our Access Center can help. Call any time, at 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632 for assistance. To learn more about our Head and Neck Care Team, visit our webpage here.
