Head and Neck Cancers refer to types of cancer that occur in the head and neck region. This type of cancer occurs as a result of abnormal cell growth and spread of tissues in the head and neck regions. Head and neck cancers can be caused by a variety of factors and can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Head and neck cancers are tumors that occur when cells in the head and neck area grow abnormally. Early diagnosis of these cancers is extremely important for the success of the treatment process. Symptoms of head and neck cancers can be diverse and the diagnosis process is carried out by various methods.
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of cancer and the extent of spread. Symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:
These symptoms are signs that suggest you may have head and neck cancer. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, so it is important to see a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
Head and neck cancers can be diagnosed using various methods. Doctors make a diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms , physical examination findings, and some imaging tests. Methods used in the diagnostic process may include:
These diagnostic methods help doctors diagnose head and neck cancers and allow them to determine a treatment plan.
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Treatment Options
Treatment options for head and neck cancers are quite diverse. Different treatment methods may be preferred depending on the type and stage of the disease and the general health condition of the patient. These treatment options include methods such as surgical intervention, radiotherapy , chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Surgical intervention is an operation performed to remove cancerous tissue. Surgery to remove tumors in the head and neck area is usually the treatment of first choice. These operations can be performed in different ways depending on the area where the cancer has spread and the size of the tumor.
Radiotherapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. In head and neck cancers , radiotherapy aims to neutralize cancer cells by focusing on the area where the tumor is located. Radiotherapy can usually be used after surgery or alone or in combination with other treatment methods, depending on the size of the tumor.
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to destroy or control cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used in head and neck cancers to prevent the spread of cancer cells or to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy can often be administered together with radiotherapy or surgery.
Targeted therapy is a treatment method that uses specific drugs that target the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy in head and neck cancers aims to neutralize cancer cells by blocking their growth signals. This treatment method is usually used in conjunction with other treatment options and is determined depending on the genetic structure of the patient.
Which method to choose among the treatment options is determined depending on the patient’s condition and the stage of the cancer. Doctors create the most appropriate treatment plan by evaluating the patient’s health condition, the size of the tumor and its spread. It is also important to regularly monitor and support patients throughout the treatment process.
Rehabilitation and Care
Rehabilitation and care are an important part of head and neck cancer treatment. Various strategies and methods are applied to improve the quality of life of patients after cancer treatment. The rehabilitation process aims to meet the physical, emotional and psychological needs of the patient.
The rehabilitation and care process requires a multidisciplinary approach. Many healthcare professionals evaluate the patient’s post-treatment needs and create appropriate treatment plans. This team usually consists of doctors, physiotherapists , speech therapists, nutritionists and psychologists.
As part of rehabilitation, exercise programs are developed to support patients’ physical well-being. Physiotherapists provide specific exercises and physical therapies to increase patients’ mobility and strength . Additionally, speech therapists also work to improve language and swallowing functions.
Psychological support is also important to improve patients’ quality of life. Psychologists work with patients to help them cope with emotional difficulties such as stress, anxiety and depression experienced during cancer treatment. In addition, a diet plan appropriate to the nutritional needs of the patients is created and followed by nutritionists.
The rehabilitation and care process includes various support services to improve patients’ quality of life. These services include social support groups, counseling services, and resources tailored to the needs of patients and their families. This way, patients are made to feel supported in the post- treatment period.
In short, the rehabilitation and care process is an integral part of head and neck cancer treatment. In this process, strategies are implemented to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of patients. In this way, the quality of life of patients is increased and a better recovery is achieved in the post-treatment period.
Head and neck cancer is a general name given to malignant tumors occurring in the head and neck region. These cancers can start in various tissues, such as the tongue, lips, mouth, throat, larynx, and thyroid glands.
Symptoms of head and neck cancers may include: persistent pain in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, swelling or sore, hoarseness, swelling or lump in the neck or jaw area, discoloration or lesions on the tongue or lips.
Various methods are used to diagnose head and neck cancers. Doctors often perform physical examinations, perform biopsies, and perform procedures such as imaging tests (MRI, CT scan) or endoscopy .
The rehabilitation and care process after cancer treatment is planned according to the needs of the patient. Services such as physical therapy, speech therapy , and nutritional counseling may be provided. Its aim is to improve the patient’s quality of life and support the healing process.
