Head and Neck Cancer: When to Watch and What to Do
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A stagnant and negative perception has been ingrained in our society for a long time — cancer means certain death. However, this concept has changed due to the incredible success of modern medicine. Statistics show that head-neck cancer is the second leading cancer after lung cancer in men. But hopefully, in most cases it is possible to prevent this terrible disease with just a little lifestyle change and awareness. Timely diagnosis and modernization of treatment are now the main weapons to win this war.
On April 16 (Thursday), SKF Oncology’s special online discussion titled ‘World-class cancer treatment now in Bangladesh’, Dr. National Cancer Research Institute and Radiotherapy Department Professor Dr. Roshan Ara Begum. Nasiha Tahsin moderated the program organized on the occasion of World Cancer Day and ‘Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month’. In the discussion, Professor Roshan Ara gave detailed guidance on various ways of preventing cancer and various aspects of modern treatment. The event was broadcast live on Prothom Alo and SKF Oncology Facebook page.
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The extent of head and neck cancer actually covers how much of the body, Professor Dr. Roshan Ara Begum gives clear ideas. According to him, cancer can attack anywhere from our oral cavity to larynx, tongue, salivary gland, thyroid and even the back of the nose. The habit of using tobacco in our country is so accessible that men as well as women are at risk of this cancer. Although the rate of males is relatively higher among the affected. Especially the availability of tobacco products like jorda, lime or white leaves with betel leaves increases the rate of this disease several times. Along with tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and nowadays human papilloma virus (HPV) infection has also emerged as one of the major causes of this cancer. Apart from this, neglect of oral hygiene or oral hygiene and chronic friction of broken teeth or dentures can also lead to deadly diseases like cancer.
Many people have a question whether cancer is hereditary or genetic. If you want to know about this, Professor Dr. Roshan Ara Begum said, although it is not directly genetic like breast or ovarian cancer, it is closely related to family lifestyle. If a family has a tradition of using tobacco or sorghum, the risk of cancer may also increase in the next generation. It makes more sense to call it an environmental and lifestyle risk rather than a direct genetic one. In addition, those who work in factories where wood or wood dust are directly inhaled are also at increased risk of certain head-neck cancers. Therefore, changing family habits is one of the main means of prevention.
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The body gives very specific signals when it comes to head and neck cancer. Professor Dr. According to Roshan Ara Begum, any sore inside the mouth that doesn’t heal after at least three weeks with conventional treatment should be seriously examined. Many times, if a lump or lump appears on one or both sides of the neck, it should not be ignored as a common cold problem. Apart from this, a sudden heaviness in the voice or difficulty in swallowing food can be a sign of a serious danger. Unexplained persistent pain in the ears or regular bleeding from the nose and gums are also warning signs. Professor Professor Dr. Roshan Ara Begum emphasized that before the cancer is complete, red or whitish spots appear on the face, which can be identified by looking in the mirror. Since the cure rate is almost 100% if the disease is detected in the first stage, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist or a dental surgeon immediately if any abnormality is detected.
The presenter wants to know about the correct treatment steps for this cancer. Dr. in the answer. Roshan Ara Begum said, the first step is accurate diagnosis. It is very important to do biopsy after clinical examination, which is the only reliable method to confirm cancer. There is a common misconception that biopsy can spread cancer, which is completely unfounded. After receiving the biopsy report, CT scan, MRI or Abdominal CT scan is done to see if it has spread elsewhere in the body. These tests determine the stage or ‘staging’ of the cancer. Treatment plans differ according to stage—early stages can be cured with surgery or radiation alone, but advanced stages require a combination of treatments.
The head and neck area contains important organs such as speech or taste. Dr. in this regard. Roshan Ara Begum said, currently it is becoming possible to eliminate cancer without organ damage. Radiation therapy is now much more perfect thanks to modern technology. Technologies such as IMRT, VMAT and 3D-CRT deliver radiation only to the affected cells. On the other hand, the use of plastic and reconstructive surgery or free flaps has now increased to eliminate the fear of the patient’s appearance or shape being lost after surgery. As a result, the patient’s appearance is improved, as well as the ability to speak or eat normally. Skilled surgeons of Bangladesh are now successfully completing these complex operations in the country.
At the end of the discussion Dr. Roshan Ara Begum said, mental strength is the main tool of the patient in defeating cancer. The first two years after treatment are very important, as this is when the risk of disease recurrence is high. Therefore, regular follow-up and adherence to doctor’s advice is essential. It is possible to create a cancer free Bangladesh through healthy living, proper diet and smoking cessation.
Source: Prothom Alo Bangla
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