MIAMI.- July 27 is World Day of Cancer Head and Neck. This pathology includes malignant tumors that appear in the head and neck region: paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, tonsils, soft palate, base of the tongue, throat, larynx, oral mucosa, gums, hard palate, tongue, base of the mouth and salivary glands.
The WHO points out that cancer occurs when normal cells transform into tumor cells through a multi-stage process that “usually involves the progression of a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumor.”
The Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cancer and Neck Surgery indicates that 98% of cases of head and neck cancer can be avoided. This requires several preventive measures such as: eliminate tobacco consumption, alcohol, getting vaccinated against papillomavirus and taking care of oral health.
The organization points out that more than 80% of patients with head and neck cancer are smokers “and their synergy with alcohol can multiply the possibility of developing it by 10 to 20 times.”
Head and neck cancer is considered to affect men more than women, especially between the fifth and seventh decades of life. However, in recent years, a greater number of cases have been recorded in women.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says that in 2022 there were 20 million new cases of cancer and 9.7 million deaths. The data reports that “the estimated number of people who were alive 5 years after a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people will develop cancer during their lifetime; approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.”
Symptoms of cancer
Symptoms of head and neck cancer include:
- Dysphonia (difficulty with the voice) prolonged over time.
- Ulcers or wounds that do not heal in the boca.
- Difficulty to swallow.
- Nosebleed.
- Poor dental condition and chronic inflammation of the gums.
- Lumps in the neck.
- Frequent drownings.
In these cases, the first step is to avoid guesswork and go to the doctor for a specialized evaluation.
@snederr
Source: WHO, International Day Portal, Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cancer and Neck Surgery
