Day: March 17, 2023

Home Head and neck cancer is very common in India and constitutes 30% of all reported cancers in the country. Cancer is a condition where abnormal mitosis forms harmful lumps of tissues called tumours. It divides uncontrollably, spreads, and invades other human body parts, a condition known as metastasis and the tumour is called malignant. Head and neck cancer refers to abnormal cells that form around the throat, nose, sinuses, larynx, and mouth. Read this article to learn more about head and neck cancer risk factors. What are the head and neck cancer risk factors? Many researchers have delved deep into head and neck cancer cases and their causes. As a result, there are 10 risk factors that people should be aware of to prevent the possibility of head and neck cancer. Tobacco A study published in the journal  PubMed Central cited tobacco use as the major reason behind the prevalence of head and neck cancer amongst Indians. It is because tobacco has at least 70 chemicals that cause cancer. In addition, 80% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. Alcohol Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to cancers of the mouth region, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus. People are advised to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation or avoid them entirely unless they are intended for medical use under the supervision of a physician. HPV or Human papillomavirus Unprotected sex with an individual with HPV infection leaves one vulnerable. Various HPV strains are linked to head and neck cancer.     EBV or Epstein-Barr virus EBV is a human herpesvirus type that causes infectious mononucleosis. EBV is linked to nasopharyngeal cancer in people, which is a condition where cancer cells form in the nasopharynx tissues.  Poor dental or oral hygiene Poor oral hygiene leaves a person vulnerable to infections that can also conjure abnormal cell division and cancer.  Marijuana People who consume marijuana are vulnerable to head and neck cancer. A study published in the National Library of Medicine mentioned how molecular alterations are seen more in bronchial mucosa specimens of marijuana smokers when compared to non-marijuana smokers. Toxic occupational or environmental particles People are likely to develop cancers in head and neck region when certain chemicals, asbestos, wood dust, and paint fumes are present. It is advised that people cover their faces and wash them frequently. Poor nutrition People should consume enough vitamins and minerals, notably vitamins A and B to avoid head and neck cancer. A deficiency of these vitamins is associated with cancer. Radiation Exposure to high levels of radiation is associated with  salivary gland cancer.  Weak immunity The body s immune system has the power to identify and kill the neoplasms developing in various parts of the human body. A weak immune system is associated with developing head and neck cancer. AIDs (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) affects the bodys immune system, leaving it vulnerable to various cancers. How to avoid head and neck cancer risk? A healthy lifestyle is essential to avoid cancers of any kind. Since head and neck cancer is linked to tobacco, alcohol and drugs, it is more beneficial to avoid them altogether. Besides the cancer risk, tobacco usage is linked to heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, and chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD). Alcohol affects a person’s liver and gut health A healthy lifestyle also involves a balanced diet with enough protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Proper nutrition ensures a hormone balance, a strong immune system, and resistance against infections, and other health issues, including cancer. Several studies have linked oral cancer with HPV infection. Therefore, people should take the HPV vaccine to prevent oral cancers, notably tongue and tonsil cancer. People who are exposed to toxic occupational and environmental particles like asbestos, wood dust, and paint fumes should wear a facemask. Wash hands and face regularly using a disinfectant to remove possible residue. In conclusion, Healthy lifestyle habits are essential to lead a healthy and happy life. It is better to avoid self-destructive habits like smoking, drinking and doing drugs. It is imperative to spread more awareness about the importance of healthy habits to avoid not just cancer but other health hazards. It is completely on us to protect our health. CancerMitr provides a variety of early screening and testing packages to detect cancer in its early stages. Click here How can CancerMitr help?  CancerMitr is a good friend for all cancer patients, providing all the assistance and guidance needed to deal with the severity of the disease, from discovery to recovery We also have a preventive wing, Healthepal, that focuses on quality healthcare and a healthy lifestyle to prevent fatal noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and COPD. For more information. please visit our website

Home The tongue is an essential muscular organ that aids in chewing and speaking. It runs from the bone in the middle of the neck (hyoid bone) to the mouth’s floor. It is made up of a strong tissue web, and mucosa, a moist pink lining, covers it.A healthy and clean tongue is important for a person to lead an everyday life that involves communication, cleanliness and food consumption.Since it is a visible part of the human body, one can feel all the abnormalities that come with it, including cancer. Keep reading to know more about tongue cancer symptoms. Also read: 5 effective ways to avoid breast cancer risk What are the signs and symptoms of tongue cancer? Here are the signs and symptoms of tongue cancer that people should be aware of; Red or white patch It is a visible sign of the disease that persists despite all the cleaning attempts. Sore throat Since the tongue runs to the back of the neck bone, people might experience a sore throat that doesn’t go away Ulcer or lump People might experience a sore ulcer or lump on their tongue that doesn’t go away from its treatment Pain People might experience mild or severe pain when swallowing food. Numbness The presence of cancer cells tends to leave a person’s mouth in a state of numbness. Burning sensation Cancer causes a burning or swellinglike sensation in the mouth. Movement issues People find it difficult to move their tongue, especially while speaking or chewing. Bleeding Cancer causes unexplained and abnormal bleeding in the tongue, not caused by any other reason. Lump in the neck Cancer causes an irritating lump in the neck region. Pain in the ear People might experience pain in the ears, although this is not a frequently reported symptom amongst tongue cancer patients. Do you have any of the symptoms listed above? For early screening and testing packages, visit the CancerMitr website. Click here What are the causes of tongue cancer? The exact reason behind the presence of tongue cancer is not known. However, research has listed the following risk factors; Excess alcohol consumption Smoking cigarettes, beedis, or pipes Tobacco chewing, sold as loose, braided or compressed leaves HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection Also read: Benign and malignant tumours: Why is it essential to understand the distinction? How to test for cancer in the tongue or neck region?  Medical experts check for the presence of cancer using the following methods; Physical tests The doctor asks the patient to open their mouth to see if there are visible signs on the tongue or throat region. They use a small mirror to check the back of the tongue and throat region.  Biopsy A biopsy helps confirm the tumour’s benign or malignant nature. The specialist takes a sample of the tumour and analyse it under the scope.  Panendoscope To check for the presence of cancer in the non-visible regions of the throat, the doctor uses a camera named Panendoscope and analyses the throat.  Nasoendoscopy It is a procedure that involves the insertion of a tube called the nasoendoscope through the nose. The camera and bright light at the end check for abnormal tissue in the throat. People can also opt for other tests such as an MRI scan, CT scan, PET-CT scan, blood tests, dental check, and ultrasound scan. What are the treatment methods for tongue cancer? Surgery It is the surgical removal of the cancer tumour or cancer-affected tissue or organ.  Chemotherapy It is the administration of powerful drugs to destroy tumour cells in various tissues, organs or bloodstreams. Radiation therapyRadiation therapy It is the process of using intense energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy It is the process of stimulating the body s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.  In conclusion, Early diagnosis saves 9 out of 10 people. It also helps in reducing the cost and frequency of cancer treatment. Therefore, people should be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer to catch it and treat it early. Often times fear and stigma associated with healthcare prevent people from getting tested. They should overcome those mental and social obstacles to invest better in their health. It is after all, the most important form of wealth. Looking for a cancer treatment plan that works? Not sure where to begin? CancerMitr is here to help you develop an effective plan as a friend and guide. We have assisted thousands of patients in India and around the world. If you have any queries, contact our team via 96630 71088. Visit our website to learn about our various screening and testing packages. Click here