This pathology is the sixth most common malignant neoplasm worldwide and is twice as common in men as in women. Specialists emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy habits and regular dental check-ups.
Head and neck cancer has increased progressively in recent years and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. This type of tumor is twice as common in men than in women and is usually diagnosed more frequently in people over 50 years of age. In Chile, although exact statistics are limited, it is estimated that it causes between 400 and 500 deaths annually.
In most cases, the condition manifests with squamous cell tumors, which can affect the head and neck, including the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, palate, larynx, and nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal sections, among others.
Regarding risk factors, Diego Rojas, Medical Manager of Oncology at Merck Chile, assures that “They are mainly related to smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as poor dental hygiene habits. It is therefore essential to seek medical attention when lesions appear and to carry out regular check-ups.”
Another preventable factor that has impacted the increase in this type of tumor is infection by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
In this regard, Rojas points out that “we have observed an increase in the prevalence of this disease among increasingly younger patients, a phenomenon that is linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is transmitted mainly through risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected oral sex.”
Warning signs and early detection
More than half of the population consults late, which directly affects the effectiveness of their treatment. For this reason, the specialist emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy habits and regular dental check-ups.
“Patients, especially those with risk factors, should undergo an annual dental evaluation to detect lesions in their early stages. Only then will we be able to identify this type of cancer in time, which often goes unnoticed or is confused with other pathologies,” adds.
What signs should I pay special attention to? Symptoms may include mouth sores that do not heal or appear a particular color, especially white; swelling in the jaw; unusual bleeding; mouth pain; strange lumps; or trouble swallowing. Patients may also have trouble breathing or speaking; aches and pains; or a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and, in some cases, targeted therapies. Combining these approaches is essential to improve outcomes in patients with advanced cancer.
“Without a doubt, this cancer represents a significant public health challenge, involving several factors that we still need to resolve, including the lack of access to information, especially in the lower strata where it is more prevalent. In addition, it requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve the prognosis in terms of survival and quality of life of the patient and, in Chile, few institutions have the necessary resources to manage these cases, so it is often undertreated. Therefore, it is essential that we work on education to ensure early detection and move towards comprehensive and quality care for all patients.“, he concludes.
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