Recognizing the warning signs of head and neck cancer is key to the diagnosis of this neoplasia, which annually registers almost 900,000 new cases worldwide and is among the top 10 causes of death in Mexico and the world.
“It is key to recognize the warning signs to achieve a timely diagnosis and treatment,” said oncologist Eduardo Cárdenas Cárdenas at a press conference.
On the eve of the commemoration of the World Day against Head and Neck Cancer, which is celebrated every July 27, the specialist pointed out that risk factors interfere with this type of cancer that can predispose people to suffer from it.
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“Among them are the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV),” he explained.
Cárdenas explained that some 890,000 new cases of cancer occur annually worldwide.
In Mexico, although there are no specific statistics, it is estimated that 4,293 cases occur annually and the vast majority occur in the mouth, followed by the larynx and in third place the oropharynx.
Among the main signs that can alert the presence of this neoplasm are changes in the voice, hoarseness, white or red spots on the gums, pain or unusual bleeding in the mouth, a lump in the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing food, and ringing in the ears.
The expert pointed out that these types of symptoms, which greatly affect the quality of life of patients, have led to their having the second highest rate of suicide.
Oncologist Lucía Flores García pointed out that most cases of these cancers are diagnosed in late stages mainly due to two factors: that in their earliest stages they do not produce symptoms and that there are no screening tests to detect them.
As there is no standard screening test, a routine review by a dentist or a first contact doctor is important, if there are any risk factors.
He explained that with timely diagnosis an effective treatment is more likely to improve life expectancy.
Cárdenas Cárdenas pointed out that although cancer related to smoking and alcohol has decreased slightly in recent years, the current concern is the increase in oropharyngeal cancer.
“It’s head and neck cancer that may be related to the human papilloma virus (HPV),” he said.
He recognized that this type of neoplasia has shown a meteoric increase in its incidence in the last 20 years and “the main cause of this increase is the change in sexual practices in the general population during the last 40 years.”
Both experts said that treatment is different for each patient and depends on factors such as the location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, the person’s age and general health.
“Currently, immunotherapies have been developed that help to have fewer adverse effects and greater survival, however, the key continues to be timely detection,” the specialist concluded. EFE
2023-07-18 22:38:38
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