Knowledge centre
Head and neck cancer
These cancers can start in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, or sinuses. In India, tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol are major risks. Some throat cancers are linked to HPV.
Risk factors
- Smoked and smokeless tobacco
- Areca nut, including supari, gutka, and paan
- Alcohol, especially with tobacco
- HPV infection for some oropharyngeal cancers
- Long-standing poor oral health or a sharp tooth that keeps injuring one spot
Prevention
- Stop tobacco and areca nut. The national quitline is 1800-11-2356
- Limit alcohol
- Ask about HPV vaccination for eligible ages
- Get a dental or oral check if you use tobacco or areca nut
Early signs
- A mouth ulcer that has not healed in two weeks
- A red or white patch
- Voice change, or pain on one side of the throat or ear
- Difficulty swallowing, or a reduced mouth opening
- A neck lump
Screening
People who use tobacco or areca nut should have a regular oral examination. A clinician can see many of these changes with a good light and a gloved exam.
A neck lump or a non-healing ulcer needs assessment. Do not wait for pain. Early mouth cancers are often painless.
Treatment overview
Plans may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Speech, swallowing, and dental care before and after treatment protect quality of life.
Survivorship
Dental care, jaw exercises, nutrition, and swallowing therapy matter after treatment. Stopping tobacco remains important even after cancer has been treated.