Of the nearly 19,000 people who were diagnosed with cancer in the year 2020 in the Dominican Republic, 600 corresponded to one of head and neckwhich, almost 50% of them died from the illness.
This was revealed by Rafael López, oncologist in head, neck, lung and breast cancer services at the Heriberto Pieter Oncology Institute and a doctor at the Medical Oncology Oncology Center (Cenomed), who also explained to Hoy Digital what the disease consists of, the risk factors , as well as the preventions and recommendations for the population in general.
What is head and neck cancer?
This type of illnesslittle known in Dominican Republic, it is about types of cancers originating in the squamous cells present in the throat, nose, mouth, larynx and salivary glands. However, the specialist notes, those conditions that are specific to the skin, brain and thyroid must be excluded.
Symptoms
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López explained that one of the main symptoms that should lead to a medical consultation is an ulcer that could occur in the mouth, throat, tongue, and that is accompanied by bleeding, as well as in the gums and persistent pain in throat.
«Something very important and (is) a sign that represents alarm is a hoarseness. A hoarseness that is long-standing and lasts a long time is an alarm sign for which we should go to a consultation to be evaluated”detailed the specialist.
However, the doctor clarifies, the way to make an early detection is important so that the patient can have a timely evaluation. “There are many diseases that resemble symptoms” but it is a specialist who will determine the diagnosis through a biopsy.
“Eight out of 10 people diagnosed with head and neck cancer with an early diagnosis will be cured and will live a long time”assured the oncologist.
Risk factor’s
One of the main actions or behaviors that could promote some cancer in the head and neck is the excessive use of alcohol and tobacco in any derivative. “It is the most important factor” for the aforementioned disease to appear,” López quoted.
However, of the main factors risk is infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), among others.
It may interest you: Problematic alcohol consumption: what is the warning sign in adolescents?
Treatments
«For the diagnosis it is important that we have a team. Who makes up that team? For that we will have specialists in the area of otorhinolaryngology, maxillofacial, who will give us that support with patients who have a suspicious lesion and, later, some evaluation or procedure that corresponds to make the diagnosis”explained the doctor, who added that after that there is a plan to treat the disease.
To do this, says Dr. López, the options are surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, there is another much more modern type of treatment, which is the use of monoclonal antibodies that, after diagnosis, these procedures have led to patients having a better life, according to the words of the specialist.
What happens to patients with cormobilities?
Dr. Rafael López specified that for patients who already suffer from another type of disease, there are systemic therapies along with monoclonal antibodies that, despite the fact that they have been used in the country for some time, are still a new practice in the matter.
“This has made our patients live longer, it is an effective therapy,” López said.
Who is affected by head and neck cancer?
Men are five times more likely to suffer from this type of disease than women, said the doctor, who also reported that the disease affects adults more.
July 27, World Head and Neck Cancer Day
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July 27 is the World Day Against Head and Neck Cancer. This day serves to raise awareness about the importance of preventing this disease.
The specialist in the matter called on the population to go to specialized and certified centers for it.
About Dr. Rafel López
Rafael Lopez He is a Doctor of Medicine graduated with honors (Cumlaude) by Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra. In addition, he is an internist at the Salvador B. Gautier Hospital in Santo Domingo, and a specialist in clinical oncology from the Oncology Institute Dr. Heriberto Pieter.
During his medical career, positions such as general practitioner at the Cibao Regional Oncology Institute, head of residents at the Department of Internal Medicine at Hospital Salvador Bienvenido Gautier; general chief of residents and residents of the Oncology Department at the Dr. Heriberto Pieter Institute of Oncology.
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