Question 1

What cancers does head and neck oncology treat?

Accepted Answer

Head and neck oncology treats cancers arising in the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), salivary glands, thyroid, sinuses and nasal cavity. These cancers often affect vital functions like speaking, swallowing and breathing, which makes treatment particularly complex and typically requires a multidisciplinary team including head and neck surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, speech and swallow therapists, and dietitians working together throughout treatment and recovery.

Question 2

What are the early warning signs of head and neck cancer?

Accepted Answer

Early warning signs include a persistent sore throat or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, a lump in the neck, mouth or throat, difficulty or pain when swallowing, unexplained weight loss, a persistent mouth ulcer that doesn't heal, and ear pain without an obvious ear infection. Since many of these symptoms overlap with common, less serious conditions, persistence beyond a few weeks, rather than the symptom itself, is usually the key signal to seek evaluation.

Question 3

How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough physical examination, including examining the mouth, throat and neck, sometimes using a flexible scope to visualise areas not visible externally. A biopsy of any suspicious area confirms the diagnosis and cancer type, while imaging tests like CT, MRI or PET scan help determine the extent of the tumour and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere. This thorough evaluation guides the multidisciplinary team in planning the most effective treatment approach.

Question 4

How is head and neck cancer treated, and can speech and swallowing be preserved?

Accepted Answer

Treatment usually combines surgery, radiation therapy and, in some cases, chemotherapy, with the specific approach depending on the cancer's location, size and stage. Modern surgical and radiation techniques are increasingly designed to preserve as much normal speech and swallowing function as possible, and reconstructive surgery can restore form and function when significant tissue removal is needed. Speech and swallow therapy is a standard part of treatment and recovery, helping patients regain function and adapt where some permanent changes occur.

Question 5

What lifestyle changes reduce the risk of head and neck cancer?

Accepted Answer

The most significant risk factors for head and neck cancer are tobacco use in any form and heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined, so quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake substantially reduces risk. HPV infection is another important and growing risk factor, particularly for throat cancers, making HPV vaccination relevant for prevention. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can also help with early detection of mouth abnormalities, since dentists often notice early warning signs during routine visits.

Head And Neck Oncology