Head & Neck

Head and Neck service is one of the largest services in India.  It delivers world-class cancer care, backed by an uncompromising commitment to research, clinical trials and evidence-based practice to ensure the best possible outcome for all its patients.  It also has a strong focus on cancer education for training specialists and all medical staff.The unit consists of a range of experts in head and neck cancer surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, maxillofacial surgery, plastics and reconstructive surgery, specialist radiology, pathology, cancer nursing, dietetics, speech pathology, psychology and social work

Every patient seen at Erode Cancer Center is discussed in a multi-disciplinary meeting to ensure the best possible treatment recommendation is made.  This recommendation may involve surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy either alone or in combination.We are here to support you and to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your care. Like alltumour streams, the Head & Neck Service is a collaboration with clinical partners, providing coordinated and comprehensive cancer care.

• Tobacco. Tobacco use includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff. It is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. Eighty-five percent (85%) of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the amount of tobacco use may affect prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. In addition,  second hand smoke may increase a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer.
• Alcohol. Frequent and heavy  alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.

Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk even more.

Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:

• Prolonged sun exposure. This is especially linked to cancer in the lip area, as well as  skin exposure of the head and neck.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Research shows that infection with HPV is a risk factor of head and neck cancer.  Sexual activity with a person who has HPV is the most common way someone gets HPV.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or “mono,” plays a role in the development of  nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Gender. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer. However, the rate of head and neck cancer in women has been rising for several decades.
• Age. People over the age of 40 are at higher risk for head and neck cancer.
• Poor oral and dental hygiene.Poor care of the mouth and teeth may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.
• Environmental or occupational inhalants.Inhaling asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Hans, betel nut, cool lip, weed use. Research suggests that people who have used marijuana may be at higher risk for head and neck cancer.
• Poor nutrition.A diet low in vitamins A and B can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).Reflux of stomach acid into the upper airway and throat may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer.
• Weakened immune system.A weakened immune system can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Exposure to radiation.Exposure to radiation is associated with salivary gland cancer.
• Previous history of head and neck cancer. People who have had 1 head and neck cancer have a higher chance of developing another head and neck cancer in the future.