Neck Cancer Symptoms World Head and Neck Cancer Day: Know the risk factors and warning signs | LIFE

According to GLOBOCAN, Peru is expected to have 1,919 cases linked to some type of new case by 2025. cancer head and neck. These tumors affect various parts of the upper body, including the sinuses, pharynx, larynx, mouth, tongue, and salivary glands.

These tumors can affect people of all ages, but are more common in adults 50 and older. Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world, accounting for about 6%.

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Risk factors for developing this tumor

According to Dr. Raúl Ly Goicochea, surgical oncologist and spokesperson for Por Un Peru Sin Cáncer, the main risk factors for malignancy are:

• alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the mouth, hypopharynx, and larynx. According to the Peruvian Association of Head, Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, 72% of those affected by this neoplastic disease are smokers, 58% of whom smoke more than one pack of cigarettes per day.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV (especially type 16) is a cause of oropharyngeal cancers that affect the tonsils and the base of the tongue. About 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases are caused by this virus.
• occupational exposure. Workers in the construction, metallurgy, textile, ceramics, wood, and food industries are at high risk of certain types of cancer of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages. Exposure to wood dust increases the risk of nose and throat cancers.
• radiation exposure. Radiation to the head and neck, whether cancerous or not, is a risk factor for salivary gland cancer.
• Epstein-Barr virus infection. It causes infectious mononucleosis and has been linked to the development of certain types of cancer, such as Burkitt lymphoma, immunoblastic lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Likewise, Dr. Goicochea recommends the importance of getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in adults, not only for women but also for men under the age of 48. That is why its application also helps in reducing the risk of oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers.

Warning symptoms of head and neck cancer

Regarding warning signs for specific areas of the head and neck, Dr. Goicochea shares the following warning signs:

• mouth: Red or white spots may appear on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth. In addition, lumps or inflammation in the jaw may be observed, as well as bleeding or unusual pain in the mouth.
• Throat and Throat: Recognized symptoms include pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing or speaking, ear pain or ringing in the ears, and difficulty hearing.
• Sinuses and Nasal Cavities: Sinus congestion, chronic infection, and nosebleeds may occur. In addition, among the symptoms, headache, upper tooth pain and inflammation are also prominent.
• salivary gland: Swelling under or around the jaw, numbness or paralysis of facial muscles, and jaw or neck pain.

head and neck cancer patients

Every July 27th is World Head and Neck Cancer Day.Within the framework of this date, Karla Ruiz de Castilla represents Esperantoreaffirming the need for all members of the health sector to work together; in order to propose and implement strategies to improve the situation of patients suffering from this disease in the country.

“Now that the Congress of the Republic has approved the establishment of a multi-party commission to oversee the implementation of the National Cancer Act, and that CENARES’ cancer budget for 2023 has tripled from that administered in 2022, access to prevention, early detection and treatment is expected to increase Quality of life in cancer patients’, Ruiz de Castilla pointed out.

For all people with this disease or other types of cancer, you can contact us by calling 955511333 / 924025815 or writing to ESPERANTRA informes@esperantra.orgwhere they will find support and information for coping with their illness.

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