Attention to the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers!

On average, 900 thousand people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer annually and around 400 thousand people die from this cancer. Emphasizing that early diagnosis saves lives in such a serious problem, Anadolu Medical Center Otorhinolaryngology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ziya Saltürk said, "Especially in cases of hoarseness, shortness of breath, swelling and mass formation in the neck, which are among the symptoms of head and neck cancer, endoscopic evaluations should be performed together with ear, nose and throat examination."

Head and neck cancer types; oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, nasal cancer, nasal cancer, laryngeal cancer and pituitary gland cancer can be encountered. Anadolu Medical Center Otorhinolaryngology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ziya Saltürk said, “The most important factor in head and neck cancers is smoking. In case of quitting smoking, the formation of cancers in this region can be prevented by 95 percent. However, various occupational exposures such as nickel and wood dust also play an important role. Apart from this, it is very important for people working with intense chemicals and carpenters to use masks. In addition, smoked foods should be avoided. Especially the reflux diet can be counted among the measures that have been emphasized recently.

Attention should be paid to hoarseness, shortness of breath and swelling in the neck

Emphasizing that the first symptoms of head and neck cancers may differ according to the location of the tumor, Otorhinolaryngology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ziya Saltürk said, “Hoarseness, shortness of breath, swelling in the neck, formation of a mass, sometimes nosebleeds, speech disorders and restrictions in tongue movements can all be symptoms. According to the patient's complaints, we perform routine ear, nose and throat examinations and make endoscopic evaluations. In endoscopic evaluations, we evaluate suspicious areas, perform the necessary biopsies accordingly, and then make the diagnosis.”

Laser is used as a new treatment method in head and neck cancers

Stating that there are basically two approaches in the treatment of head and neck cancers and that they apply surgery and radiotherapy depending on the type of cancer, Assoc. Dr. Ziya Saltürk said, “Immunotherapy, which is added to treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is also used as a promising method in the treatment of head and neck cancers. In addition, the use of laser, which has become widespread in surgery, is among the innovations used in head and neck cancer treatments.