Types of Cancer
ORAL CANCER
Oral cancer is the most common cancer amongst Indian males and a leading cancer amongst females as well. Tongue cancers and cancers of the inner lining of the cheek are the most common cancers.
THROAT CANCER
The throat is the elongated hollow structure that extends from the base of the skull behind the nose to the area just above the windpipe and food-pipe in the lower neck. In medical terminology it is called the pharynx.
It is divided into three areas:
Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx
VOICE BOX (LARYNX) CANCER
The larynx extends from below the tongue to the upper portion of the windpipe. These are also common cancers and are caused also by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Irritants and fumes such as asbestos, wood cuttings, gastro-esophageal reflux disease which cause exposure of the larynx to acidic and alkaline contents from the stomach, are also risk factors for these cancer.
NASAL CAVITY AND PARA NASAL SINUSES CANCER
Cancers of these areas are relatively less common. Whilst the majority of H&N cancers are squamous cell cancers, they are less common here. Other cancers of this area are adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, sino nasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). Due to the close location at the base of the skull, these cancers may spread quickly along the nerves to the brain.
THYROID CANCER
The thyroid gland is situated in the central portion of the lower neck, extending to both sides and lying over the wind pipe. It is part of the endocrine system and secretes hormones which are crucial to the overall regulation of the body. Thyroid tumours are common but are mostly benign and usually occur in women. Thyroid tumours are usually investigated when larger than 1cm in size. Thyroid cancers usually occur in the ages of 20-55 as opposed to most other cancers which occur later in life. Radiation exposure is the only well known risk factor for thyroid cancer. Some cancers can occur as part of a hereditary pattern. Thyroid cancers are amongst the most curable cancers, with survival over 97-98%.
PARATHYROID TUMORS (ADENOMAS & CANCERS)
Parathyroid glands are small glands that are in close approximation to the thyroid gland. There are two on each side of the neck, and control the balance of calcium in the body. The parathryoid glands are also part of the endocrine system. Parathyroid cancers are uncommon. More common tumours are called parathyroid adenomas which secrete Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and cause elevation of the calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to calcium stones in the urinary system, bone pain or abdominal pain, leading to a well known constellation of symptoms called ‘moans, groans and stones. Parathyroid adenoma are usually found with an elevated blood calcium levels and elevated PTH levels.