yazyvayut infection of viass definitions, but in Western Europe, such association is not observed. Reducing the incidence of cancer of the head and neck in the UK, probably the result of improved oral hygiene, smoking cessation and ventilation systems in industrial enterprises.
Manifestations
head and neck is a particularly complex part of the body, including the stascture of the various specific functions. The most common cancer of the larynx, followed in descending order of frequency followed by cancer of the pharynx, tongue, mouth, nose and sinuses, and finally her lips. Symptoms, of course, depend on the initial location of the cancer lesion. For example, non-healing nodules and ulcers on the lip of the mouth or tongue to see quite easily. Similar nodules or ulcers in the larynx can cause hoarseness, shortness of breath (because they narrow the airways) or inmorerare cases, cause difficulty in swallowing. Tumors, primarily localized in the sinuses can cause swelling and redness of the cheeks, accompanied by pain or without nasal congestion, sometimes with a discharge.
Studies
If the affected area is readily apparent, you can easily and quickly perform a biopsy to diagnose. At a deeper tumor requires general anesthesia, which will carefully examine this area, as well as related stasctures. So, explore the area above the throat and back of the nose and then in the direction of the larynx by using mirrors, but it is difficult for the individual, and the doctor, especially if you want a very detailed examination. In addition, it may take several biopsy studies.
addition to the usual blood tests, kidney and liver functions, various radiographic methods will help to examine the bones and soft tissues. Sinuses are usually filled with air, but if there is swelling of the mucous lining, it can be easily detected by X-ray. Method of computed tomography scanning can be successfully used to determine whether there was local expansion of the cancer lesions, which applies especially to the deeper areas. It is understandable that this method can be very helpful if the treatment will include surgery or radiotherapy.
At the time of first treatment to the doctor infiltration of cancer cells to distant sites generally have not yet happened, but by means of X-rays can eliminate their spread to the lungs or (since cigarette smoking is associated with laryngeal cancer and lung cancer), primary lung cancer.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the exact localization of the tumor, its size and, perhaps, of how it looks under a microscope. Most patients attend now "comprehensive consultations", where a surgeon specializing in head and neck tumors, radiotherapist and oncologist to discuss among themselves and with the patient the best strategy of care. The result can be assigned to radiotherapy either as sole treatment or followed by surgery. If affected by specific stasctures, such as the larynx, the preference for radiotherapy, if it is possible that preserves organ function. Patients with tumors of the larynx or throat area above it, which required surgery, may be inevitable, some functional changes. If recommended by one or another form of major surgery, such as when to remove part of the larynx after surgery will be needed speech exercises. Specialist correct speech defects plays an important role in assisting those in need in the restoration of voice function. In exceptional cases, be made an autopsy windpipe to form an artificial fistula of the trachea (tracheostomy). In this situation, speech function is performed by swallowing air, and although this seems unlikely, this approach is extremely effective, but as with any new method, it requires patience and regular exercise. People who will be a radical operation should be reassured that, while maintaining confidentiality, they are usually able to achieve a good quality of life. The role of chemotherapy is currently being studied in clinical trials. Although the advanced stages of disease the results are disappointing, there is reason to believe that preoperative chemotherapy may be playing a role.
Other head and neck tumors
These include skin cancer, salivary gland and eye socket. Cancerous skin lesions may represent a non-healing scabby areas or sores, or small nodules with a pearly surface. Such changes often occur in individuals exposed to chronic exposure to sunlight. If on this score have any doubts, it is better to see a doctor. In such cases often can be diagnosed by examination under a microscope scrapings from the lesions. Nodules with pearly surface can be detected in any part of the face and ears and are usually what is known as basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma, is a tase cancer, spreading only locally (topically). These lesions are usually cured by surgery or by local radiotherapy.
moreserious disease is a squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to spread to other organs and therefore treated by extensive resection followed by radiotherapy. He is consideredmoreserious because it is difficult to control in cases of recurrence or spread to another area. Then the usual recommend repeated surgery followed by chemotherapy. There are a number of dasgs that have an active effect in cancer of this localization, of which the best are cisplatin, methotrexate and bleomycin. Although their use can give quite good results, there are only limited data on increased likelihood of survival, so the main attention to the treatment should be given to the quality of life. This means that to achieve any beneficial effects on adverse reactions to chemotherapy should be kept to a minimum. Sometimes people in need chemotherapy, rather poor nutritional status, and therefore avoid the side effects of treatment can be particularly difficult.