Understanding Head and Neck Cancers: Identify, Treat, and Prevent

These cancerswhich include various locations such as the mouth, nose, throat, and salivary glands, affect thousands of people each year. Being aware of the risks, adopting preventive behaviors, and regularly consulting health professionals can greatly contribute to the early detection and effective treatment of head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancers include several types of cancer, the most common of which are:

• Oral cancer: affects the lips, tongue, palate, and gums.
• Pharyngeal cancer: Includes cancers of the oropharynx (middle part of the throat), nasopharynx (upper part of the throat), and hypopharynx (lower part of the throat).
• Laryngeal cancer: affects the voice box.
• Salivary gland cancer: affects the glands that produce saliva.
• Sinus and nasal cavity cancer: Affects the nasal cavities and sinuses.

Frequency of head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 4% of all cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide. In France, it is estimated that approximately 15,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with a higher incidence in men than in women. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, poor oral hygiene, and exposure to certain toxic substances.

Prognosis of head and neck cancers

The prognosis for head and neck cancers varies depending on several factors, including the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, location, and the patient’s overall health. Here are some key points about prognosis:

Factors influencing prognosis

• Cancer stage: Cancers diagnosed at an early stage (stages I and II) generally have a better prognosis than those diagnosed at an advanced stage (stages III and IV).
• Location: Some cancers, such as those of the salivary glands, tend to have a better prognosis than others, such as cancers of the hypopharynx.
• General health: Patients in better general health, without significant comorbidities, often have better treatment outcomes.

Survival rate

Five-year survival rates for head and neck cancers vary considerably depending on the type and stage. For example:

• Oral cancer: The five-year survival rate ranges from 75% for early stages to about 30% for advanced stages.
• Laryngeal cancer: The five-year survival rate is about 60% for early stages and decreases to about 30% for advanced stages.
• Nasopharyngeal cancer: The five-year survival rate is about 60% to 70%, but depends heavily on stage and response to treatment.

Prevention and early detection

Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of head and neck cancers. Here are some effective preventive measures:

• Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol: these substances are major risk factors.
• HPV vaccination: Vaccination can prevent some cancers associated with HPV.
• Oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
• Workplace protection: use protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic substances.

Early detection is also key. Symptoms to watch for include mouth sores that don’t heal, persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Head and neck cancers, although less common, require special attention because of their significant impact on patients’ quality of life and survival. Effective prevention and early detection are essential to improve outcomes.