Introduction:
Head and neck tumors are complex and diverse, encompassing several vital sites in the body, such as the mouth, nose, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, and even the lymph nodes in the neck.
Given the sensitivity of these areas, the diagnosis and treatment of this type of tumor requires high precision and multidisciplinary collaboration between surgical oncologists, oncologists, otolaryngologists, and speech and language pathologists.
First: What are head and neck tumors?
They are a group of tumors that arise in the soft tissues, glands, or membranes lining the respiratory and digestive passages in the head and neck. They may be:
Benign (non-cancerous) tumors
Malignant (cancerous) tumors
Malignant tumors in this area are usually classified as squamous cell carcinomas, which are cells that line the inner areas of the head and neck, but they may include other types depending on the location.
Second: The most important types of head and neck tumors:
Cancer of the gums and lips
Cancer of the tongue
Jaw tumors
Salivary gland tumors under the jaw or tongue
Parotid gland tumors
Thyroid tumors
Parathyroid tumors
Neck lymphoma
Third: What are the causes of head and neck tumors?
There is no single specific cause, but there are a number of factors associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, including:
Smoking of all types (cigarettes, hookah, e-cigarettes, and e-shisha)
Prolonged alcohol consumption
Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) (especially type 16)
Weakened immunity
Exposure to chemicals or industrial substances in certain occupations
Poor oral and dental hygiene
Family history of certain types of cancer
Fourth: Symptoms and Early Signs:
Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor, but the most common are:
A lump or swelling in the face or neck that does not go away
Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of "something stuck" in the throat
Persistent hoarseness or a change in voice
Mouth sores that do not heal
Bleeding from the nose or mouth
Difficulty breathing or speaking
Unexplained weight loss
Ear pain without a clear cause
Note: Any of these symptoms that persist for more than two weeks requires a visit to the doctor.
Fifth: How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing head and neck tumors depends on several steps:
A thorough clinical examination
Performed by a specialist physician, focusing on the neck, mouth, and larynx.
Radiology
* Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
PET-CT to determine the extent of the tumor's spread
Endoscopy
Used to examine the larynx, pharynx, or nose.
Biopsy (sample)
This is the most important step to determine the type and grade of the tumor.
Viral tests (such as HPV or EBV)
If an infection is suspected.
Sixth: Available Treatment Options:
The choice of treatment plan depends on the type of tumor, its size, location, and stage of spread, in addition to the patient's health condition.
Basic treatments include:
Surgery
To permanently remove the tumor.
This may be limited or extensive, depending on the case.
Sometimes it includes removing part of the jaw or larynx with a cosmetic replacement.
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy or targeted therapy
Seventh: Rehabilitation and Post-Treatment Care:
Due to the sensitivity of the head and neck area, the patient may require:
Speech or voice therapy after laryngeal surgery
Swallowing and feeding rehabilitation in cases of muscle involvement
Psychological support to help the patient adapt
Regular follow-ups to detect any reflux early
Eighth: Psychological and Human Support:
We believe that patient treatment does not stop with medication alone, but rather includes:
Continuous human communication
Clearly explaining each step of the treatment journey
Providing family support to the patient and their companions
Help them regain their self-confidence and quality of life
Why choose Dr. Kyrillos Medhat?
* Accurate diagnosis and selection of the best treatment plans to ensure the best global results.
* Continuous and meticulous patient follow-up until recovery, God willing.
* The doctor is an active member of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the Egyptian Society of Surgical Oncology, thus keeping up with the latest international recommendations in oncological surgery.
* The surgical decision is made after consultation with oncologists, interventional radiologists, and therapeutic nutritionists to develop a comprehensive treatment protocol, along with a report for the patient to be added to their file.
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