Millions of patients die of cancer each year, yet a cure for the disease still eludes researchers. Cancer occurs when damaged cells divide and multiply at their own rate, forming tumors.
This defect can start anywhere in the body, but once proliferation has been triggered, tumors are likely to invade neighboring tissue. Picking up the warning signs is critical to survival.
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As with most forms of cancer, catching the disease early offers the best chance of survival.
This is particularly important for fast-spreading forms of cancer, which are best treated while they are still contained in the tissue where they developed.
Neck cancer, for example, can start anywhere in the body, as it metastasizes through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
A specialist in cancer treatments indicated: “The earlier we can diagnose people, the better the outcome.
«But even though it is the fastest growing type of cancer in the world, there is still a lack of awareness about head and neck tumors.»
In fact, head and neck cancer rates are thought to be rising in part due to a higher prevalence of human papillomavirus.
This causes the cells in the back of the throat to become abnormal, which is a key feature of cancer.
Because head and neck cancer tumors often reside in the nose, neck, or throat, it is natural to expect symptoms in these areas. However, some lesser-known signs can manifest in other places.
The doctor added: “There are certain key symptoms you need to be aware of, some of them lesser known.
“For example, persistently plugged ears, the kind you might get after diving into a pool, or persistent ear pain could be a sign that there is cancer in and around that area.
“Swelling in part of the neck, or some resistance when touching a part of the neck could also be an indicator.
«Sore gums, ulcers and tooth pain, white or red spots in the mouth are telltale symptoms.»
Because the symptoms of cancer can be nonspecific and poorly defined, a large number of cases fail.
This is particularly true of symptoms that occur in the mouth, such as sore gums, because they are often attributed to poor oral hygiene or other similar causes.
The doctor added: “Most people would shrug it off and chalk it up to an ulcer.
“A doctor can also rule it out and send it to the dentist. But it could very well be a cancerous lesion that is growing and is easy to miss.
«A sore throat that lasts more than two weeks, or if you have any change in your voice or hoarseness, should set off alarm bells.»
Fortunately, many head and neck cancers can be cured if found early.
Eliminating the cancer is the main goal of treatment and must be done without interfering with nearby nerves, organs, and tissues.
Treatments for the disease usually include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but a combination of treatments may be necessary.