Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and voice box). These cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, sinuses, or muscles or nerves in the head and neck, but these types of cancer are much less common than squamous cell carcinomas
Head and Neck Cancer
The treatment approach for laryngeal cancer is primarily determined by the size of the cancerous growth. Key treatment modalities include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted cancer medications. While a dedicated cancer team will propose a recommended treatment plan based on their expertise, the ultimate decision rests with you.
The recommended treatment plan hinges on the cancer stage. For early-stage laryngeal cancer, options such as surgery (endoscopic resection) or radiotherapy alone may suffice. Larger cancers may necessitate a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Advanced stages may require more extensive surgery, potentially involving the removal of the entire larynx. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy, possibly supplemented with a targeted cancer medicine like cetuximab, may be employed in later-stage cases.
Radiotherapy utilizes controlled high-energy radiation to eliminate cancerous cells. It can be administered alone for early-stage cases or post-surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. The precision of the radiation beams requires a specially crafted plastic mask to ensure accurate targeting. Side effects may include sore skin, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, taste loss, appetite loss, tiredness, and nausea. Monitoring and management of side effects by your doctor are essential.
Three types of surgery may be employed: endoscopic resection, partial laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy. Endoscopic resection is suitable for early-stage cancer, while partial laryngectomy involves the surgical removal of the affected part of the larynx, preserving some vocal cords. Total laryngectomy is reserved for advanced cases, involving the removal of the entire larynx. Each surgery comes with its own set of considerations and potential side effects.
Chemotherapy, using potent medicines to damage cancer cell DNA, may precede surgery or radiotherapy or be used concurrently to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness. It can also be employed for advanced or recurrent laryngeal cancer. Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, appetite loss, diarrhea, sore mouth, and fatigue.
Cetuximab, a targeted cancer medicine, may complement radiotherapy, especially when chemotherapy is unsuitable. Given intravenously, it may cause side effects such as rashes, nausea, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Close monitoring is necessary due to the potential for allergic reactions.
A checkpoint inhibitor, a type of immunotherapy, stimulates the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Side effects may include skin reactions like rashes.
Post-laryngectomy, recovery involves intensive care, temporary feeding through a tube, and potential difficulties in communication. Various methods, including voice prostheses, esophageal speech, and electrolarynx, can aid in restoring or learning alternative means of communication.
Throat soreness and difficulty swallowing are common after laryngeal cancer treatment. Food may need to be administered through a tube, and dietary adjustments may be necessary during the recovery phase.
A dedicated team will recommend the optimal treatment based on your thyroid cancer type. For instance:
– Papillary and follicular carcinomas may be treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine.
– Medullary thyroid carcinoma often involves surgery followed by radiotherapy.
– Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma may not be amenable to surgery, but symptoms can be managed with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery is typically the initial treatment for most thyroid cancer types, involving the removal of part or the entire thyroid, along with nearby lymph glands. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, and most individuals can leave the hospital within a few days, with a small neck scar that diminishes over time.
Following surgery, a course of radioactive iodine treatment is often recommended to eliminate residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Dietary modifications, such as reducing iodine intake, are advised for a more effective treatment. Women are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after treatment.
Targeted therapies like Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, and Sorafenib are increasingly utilized to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells. These may be recommended for metastatic thyroid cancer unresponsive to radioactive iodine.
If radioactive iodine is unsuitable or ineffective, external radiotherapy may be employed post-surgery to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. It can also control symptoms of advanced thyroid carcinomas. Treatment typically spans 4 to 6 weeks, with side effects like nausea, tiredness, pain when swallowing, and dry mouth, which usually subside after treatment.
Chemotherapy is infrequently used for thyroid cancer but may be considered for anaplastic thyroid carcinomas that have spread. While not curative, it can help manage symptoms.
Regular check-ups are imperative to monitor potential recurrence. Tests may include blood tests, ultrasound scans to examine the neck, and radioisotope scans highlighting cancerous thyroid cells. The frequency of these tests may decrease over time, but repeat treatment might be necessary if cancer recurs.
The primary interventions include:
This involves removing a small portion of the skull, excising the tumor, and subsequently reattaching the skull piece.
Utilizing external radiation, this method is employed post-surgery to eliminate cancer cells.
Medications are used to eradicate cancer cells post-surgery or to alleviate symptoms if complete tumor removal isn’t possible.
This involves directing numerous small radiation beams at the cancer to eliminate it when surgery is not viable.
Following treatment, some enduring issues may arise, such as seizures, difficulties in walking, and speech problems. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy may be necessary for recovery or adaptation to these challenges. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, maintaining a nutritious diet, and regular exercise, is crucial to minimizing the risk of stroke. Gradual return to normal activities is possible during recovery, though certain activities, such as contact sports, might need to be avoided permanently.
Individuals who undergo brain tumor treatment may experience delayed side effects, such as cataracts, epilepsy, cognitive issues (thinking, memory, language, or judgment), and, rarely, stroke, months or years post-treatment.
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