HHO News

Many factors increase your risks for the numerous different types of cancer — but did you know that your oral hygiene is one of them? Head and neck cancers encompass a number of different conditions that affect your nose, mouth, and throat. So it’s no surprise that bad oral habits can increase your risk of these cancers.

At Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating the numerous types of cancer and blood disorders. At the forefront of our team are five expertly trained oncologists and hematologists, who offer state-of-the-art treatments and therapies when you’re suffering from cancer.

Types of head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers are conditions that affect the mucosal linings in your mouth and throat. Your voice box and sinuses may also be affected. The mucosal linings are often affected by squamous cell carcinomas, which are cancers of that specific cell type.

Less commonly, cancers may affect your salivary glands or the nerves and muscles in your neck. While these types of cancers exist, they’re rare compared to those from squamous cell carcinoma.

Some of the many different kinds of cancers that affect your head and neck include:

• Lip cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Paranasal sinus cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer

Many of these types of cancer are related to the use of tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption. However, there are other risk factors as well, one of which is poor oral hygiene.

Your oral hygiene can be related to cancer

Believe it or not, your oral hygiene affects more than just your teeth and gums. In fact, bad oral hygiene is related to a number of health conditions, including head and neck cancers. But what exactly is the reason for this?

Poor dental hygiene results in the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. If left untreated by a dental professional, they can contribute to gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are both types of gum disease, with the latter being more severe.

Gum disease leads to pocketing around your teeth that fill with plaque and bacteria, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterium has been found in large amounts within tumors of the head and neck.

But what types of oral hygiene practices put you at a higher risk for cancer? If you have any of the following, your risk of head and neck cancers may be increased:

• More than five missing teeth
• Dentures
• Brushing less than once daily
• Gum disease and bleeding

Lack of regular visits to your dentist also increases your risk of head and neck cancers. This is because you miss out on the screening and cleaning of your gums and teeth. This helps to eliminate the harmful bacteria that can lurk in your gums.

What you can do to decrease your risk

Unfortunately, cancer can’t always be prevented, especially if you have a familial history of it. However, you can change some of the risk factors that make it more likely you’ll end up with head or neck cancers.

Oral hygiene is one of the factors you’re able to control. This means taking your time to properly brush and floss. It also means regular trips to the dentist to make sure you don’t have gum disease or any other problems that could provoke cancer cells to form.

Also, there aren’t any real screening tests for many head and neck cancers, but dentists do check for signs of a problem. During your regular dental visits, most providers check in your oral cavity for signs that might point to suspicious cells or signs of cancer.

Our team of experts helps you understand your risk for head and neck cancers, so you’re able to get ahead of the problem. Along with proper oral hygiene, our doctors get you the treatment you need if you’re at an increased risk for these forms of cancer.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a head or neck cancer, or would like more information, call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-788-6461, or schedule an appointment online with one of our amazing doctors today.

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a collective label for cancers that develop in various areas of the head and neck. Most often they start to develop in the thin layer of moist, mucosal tissues that line the nose, throat, and mouth. These thin layers of tissue are made up of flat squamous cells. Most of the cancers that develop in these moist tissues are known as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. More uncommonly, cancer can develop in the salivary glands, but this article will focus on the squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

What causes head and neck cancers?

The two most important risk factors for developing head and neck cancer are drinking alcohol and using tobacco (in any form), particularly cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. 75% or more of head and neck cancers stem from alcohol and tobacco consumption. Also, as people get older, their risk of developing head and neck cancers increases. The majority of head and neck cancers develop in people who are older than 45. Further, head and neck cancers are more common among men. The reasons for this are not fully understood.

Another important risk factor for head and neck cancers is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is most commonly known for causing cervical cancer, among others. HPV is particularly implicated in cancers that involve the base of the tongue and the tonsils. HPV-related head and neck cancers generally have a better prognosis (chance of recovery) than those stemming from alcohol and tobacco use.

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?

As noted earlier, head and neck cancers can develop in a variety of locations. Because of this, there are also a large variety of symptoms that may indicate developing head and neck cancers. These include symptoms such as:

• Difficulty and/or pain when swallowing
• A lump or a sore that does not heal
• A lump in the neck
• A sore throat or pain in the neck that does not go away
• Changes in the voice or increased hoarseness of the voice
• A white or red patch on the lining of the mouth, the tongue, or the gums
• Trouble breathing or speaking
• Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear
• Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Bleeding through the nose
• Frequent headaches

It is important to note, however, that these symptoms can also be associated with other, less serious conditions. So, make sure that you first consult with your primary care physician or dentist to determine whether or not your symptoms are due to a less serious, non-cancerous condition or illness.

How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?

If less serious conditions are ruled out, and your doctor suspects that head and neck cancer is possible, the first steps in diagnosing it include an evaluation of your complete medical history, and possibly of your family’s history of cancer. Next will be a detailed physical examination of the entire head and neck area, including the mouth, throat and nasal passages, and possibly other diagnostic tests will be ordered. Ultimately, however, a conclusive diagnosis of head and neck cancer will require surgical removal and examination of a small sample of tissue (a biopsy) under the microscope.

Determining how advanced the cancer is (known as the Stage) will require further studies such as X-ray, other imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT scan) or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and laboratory tests. Determining the Stage (extent) of the cancer will aid your doctor or health care team in making an appropriate, effective treatment plan recommendation.

How are head and neck cancers treated?

Appropriate treatment depends on the exact nature of the cancerous tumor, and factors unique to the individual. These factors include the size of the tumor, its exact location, the stage (extent) of the cancer, and on the individual’s general health and age. Treatments for head and neck cancer include surgery, radiation therapy/treatments, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. It will often require a combination of more than one treatment. Effective treatment generally will involve an entire team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and others.

What are the side effects of treatment?

The side effects of treatment for head and neck cancer depends on the type/location of the cancer, and on the type of treatment(s) followed. The most common side effects of radiation therapy can include fatigue, weight loss, difficulty and/or pain with swallowing, mouth sores, dry mouth, thickened saliva, redness and irritation. The common side effects of chemotherapy can include low blood counts, nausea, and changes or loss in taste (some foods may taste different, or be tasteless, after treatment). Loss of taste can have a negative effect on nutrition and needs to be watched carefully. Nausea generally improves soon after the chemotherapy treatments are over. Fatigue and problems with swallowing may take longer to get better.

Surgical removal of the tumor can change the patient’s ability to talk, swallow, or chew. The surgery may also cause swelling of the neck and/or face; however, the swelling generally dissipates after a few weeks. If lymph nodes were removed, this may cause additional swelling, which could last much longer. If the removed lymph nodes are in the neck, the neck and shoulder may become stiff and/or weak. If surgery includes removal of the larynx (laryngectomy) or involved other parts of the neck, the throat and neck may feel numb.

Long-term recovery requires the involvement of a competent team of medical professionals, not only in the treatment of cancer but also in managing recovery. Besides doctors, this team can include speech pathologists, dentists, dental hygienists, and dietitians/ nutritionists. They all play important roles in helping manage treatment side effects, both short and long-term. The patient may also choose to seek professional counseling and join a support group to aid in recovery.