Head and Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers, are highly dangerous diseases characterized by the formation of malignant tumors in the head or neck region. The head and neck area are vital for functions such as chewing, speaking, swallowing, hearing, and facial expressions, as well as for the central nervous system. Therefore, it contains tissues and organs that play vital roles in the body’s vital functions. Tumors that develop in the head and neck region can impede the nourishment of healthy tissues in the area and gradually exert pressure on the tissues in the region as they grow. Additionally, due to events such as uncontrolled cell division and metastasis, they can cause damage not only to the region they are located in but also to distant and important organs such as the lungs.
There are many surgical treatments and medical applications performed to treat head and neck cancers. Surgical operations are often used in the early treatment of head and neck cancers. Since the head and neck region is crucial for both the aesthetic and functional integrity of the body, these surgical operations can now be performed with highly advanced techniques such as microsurgery. In the continuation of our article, we will answer frequently asked questions such as “How are head and neck cancers treated?”, “What are the symptoms of head and neck cancers?”, “Who is at risk for head and neck cancers?”, and “Are head and neck cancers dangerous?”. You can find detailed information about head and neck cancer treatment in Ankara by reading further.
What Are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers are malignant tumors that develop in the tissues of the head and neck regions. They are one of the commonly observed groups among cancer types. These tumors can occur in areas such as the lips, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth, jawbones, and salivary glands. In the treatment of head and neck tumors, experts from various fields of medicine can work together.
What Causes Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers occur as a result of radical changes that occur in the cell nuclei in the region. These changes can disrupt the control mechanisms of cells. Consequently, cells can begin to divide uncontrollably and form cancerous tumors. Factors that contribute to the development of head and neck cancers include:
- HPV infections.
- Smoking and alcohol use.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Radiation exposure.
- Chemical exposure.
- Consumption of smoked foods.
- Chronic infections.
The causes of head and neck cancer can be listed in this way.
What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers can cause symptoms such as:
- Numbness in the mouth and inside the mouth.
- Speech problems and speech disorders.
- Bleeding in the mouth and throat.
- Non-healing sores in the mouth and throat.
- Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and similar functions.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Frequent or persistent nosebleeds, nasal congestion.
- Numbness in the face, pain in the jaw area and upper facial area.
- Persistent tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing loss.
- Pain in the area around the eyes, blurred vision.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck for a long time.
The symptoms of head and neck cancers can be listed in this way. Of course, cancer can cause different symptoms depending on its precise location in the head and neck region. It is possible for the symptoms to become much more severe in the later stages of cancer.
Are Head and Neck Cancers Dangerous?
Head and neck cancers, like all other cancer diseases, are highly dangerous. Head and neck cancers can suppress important soft tissues and nerves in the region due to their location, which can lead to difficulties in performing various functions. In the advanced stages, cancer can spread to different areas through metastasis. This situation makes the treatment of cancer extremely difficult. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment are highly important for all cancer diseases.
Can Head and Neck Cancers Be Treated?
Head and neck cancers are treatable diseases. Different medical or surgical-based applications can be used during the treatment process. The method to be used during treatment may vary depending on the location of cancer and its progression.
How Long Does the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers Take?
Like all cancer diseases, it is not possible to specify a definite duration for the treatment of head and neck cancers. However, surgical treatments, such as surgeries, can be completed within a few hours. Applications such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can take several months depending on the patient’s condition.
How Is the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers Performed?
Head and neck cancers cause tumors that require great sensitivity due to their location. Therefore, doctors from different fields of expertise can work together in the treatment processes. Especially in the treatment of tumors in the lips, inside the mouth, gums, jaw, and face, plastic surgeons are directly involved. Thus, during surgical treatment, they can remove tumors while preserving the integrity and aesthetic values of healthy tissues in the region. The treatment plan may vary depending on the stage and location of the disease. It may be necessary to remove the lymph nodes in the patient’s neck. In some cases, salivary glands in the face may also need to be removed. After the removal of tumor tissues, reconstruction is planned by performing appropriate tissue transfers (flaps) to repair tissue deficiencies that occur.
Ankara Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Prices 2024
The prices of head and neck cancer treatment in Ankara can vary from person to person depending on the details of the operation and other factors. For detailed information about treatment and surgery fees, you can contact us.
