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Head and neck cancer is a general term encompassing multiple cancers that can develop in the head and neck region. These include cancers of the mouth, tongue, gums and lips (oral cancer), voice box (), throat (nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, [1] hypopharyngeal), salivary glands, nose and sinuses.
Oropharyngeal cancer, [1] [2] [3] also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and tonsil cancer, [1] is a disease in which abnormal cells with the potential to both grow locally and spread to other parts of the body are found in the oral cavity, in the tissue of the part of the throat that includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx.
The earlier the oral cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances for full recovery. Persistent suspicious masses or ulcers on the mouth should always be examined. Diagnosis is usually made with a biopsy; treatment depends on the exact type of cancer, where it is situated, and extent of spreading.
Small, irregular reddish-brown telangiectatic macules covering a tan to brown backdrop are the usual appearance of TMEP lesions. [3] The diameter of a single lesion is often between 2 and 4 mm. [ 4 ] During a diascopy , the telangiectatic lesions typically blanch.
The stage at which the cancer presents itself affects the type of definitive treatment, chance of cure, recurrence of cancer and survival rate of the patient. Generally the patient presents very late due to the lack of definitive symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Nearly three fourths of the patients present in Stage III or later. [22]
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck is the initial presentation in many people, and the diagnosis of NPC is often made by lymph node biopsy. Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer may appear as headaches, a sore throat, and trouble hearing, breathing, or speaking. [3]
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that can form masses on the skin, in lymph nodes, in the mouth, or in other organs. [4] [6] The skin lesions are usually painless, purple and may be flat or raised.
People with early stage nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer often do not show any symptoms, therefore, these types of cancer are usually diagnosed in the later stages. Nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer is often discovered when a person is being treated for a seemingly benign, inflammatory disease of the sinuses, such as sinusitis. [4]