Therapy of Tumors in the Head and Neck Area

A timely diagnosis of cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Early diagnosis can help in managing tumors more effectively, as the method of therapy largely depends on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread to other areas. In the case of head and neck cancers, establishing a diagnosis is particularly complex, as these tumors can also affect the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems. The medical community is continuously working to provide the best treatment options for patients, taking into account the specific characteristics of tumors and individual needs.

Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

In the treatment of head and neck cancers, specialists recommend histological sampling, which aids in the accurate diagnosis of the disease. In addition to physical examinations, various imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and PET-CT provide information about the tumor’s location and spread.

Before treating head and neck tumors, obtaining a proper diagnosis is essential, which requires histological and cytological sampling. The local extent of the tumor can be determined through various imaging studies, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound. The treatment of tumors in the head and neck area must be approached in a complex manner, as these areas perform many important functions, such as speech, breathing, and chewing.

Among the treatment options, three main methods are distinguished: surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and pharmacotherapy. During surgeries, surgeons aim to completely remove the tumor while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. The final confirmation of tumor removal is based on histological examinations, during which R0, R1, and R2 resection classifications are used to evaluate surgical outcomes.

In addition to surgery, radiation therapy also plays an important role in the treatment of tumors. During radiation therapy, the tumor is exposed to ionizing radiation, which aims to induce cell death and prevent cell division. This treatment can be used as a primary option or as an adjunct therapy before and after surgery. Maintaining breathing and speech during laryngeal surgeries is particularly important, which involves the application of various techniques.

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Among the causes of head and neck tumors, several risk factors can be found, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors significantly contribute to the development of tumors, and patients often notice the symptoms of the disease themselves. Symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or the sensation of tumor lesions in the oral cavity.

In the case of laryngeal tumors, various surgical solutions are available, depending on the extent to which the tumor affects the laryngeal tissues. In partial laryngectomy, the patient’s voice often becomes hoarse, while in total laryngectomy, new methods must be applied for speech restoration. Esophageal speech and voice prosthesis implantation are among the most common solutions that assist patients’ communication abilities.

Treatment and Rehabilitation of Tumors

During the treatment of tumors, rehabilitation options play a key role in improving patients’ quality of life. During treatments, specialists take into account the physical and psychological issues affecting patients and support them through various support systems. The goal of rehabilitation programs is to help patients return to their daily lives and rediscover the world after the disease.

Patients undergoing radiation therapy may encounter numerous side effects, such as difficulty swallowing or dry mouth. Local therapies and pain relievers are recommended for managing these effects. In elderly patients, who are at greater risk for aspiration, the use of feeding tubes may also be justified. Dietitians can assist in developing appropriate nutritional plans to help patients maintain their health.

Chemotherapy and Pharmacotherapy

During chemotherapy, tumor cell-destroying drugs are used, typically in combination, to enhance treatment effectiveness. The goal of pharmacotherapy can be to reduce tumor size, minimize the chances of recurrence, or slow disease progression. In addition to chemotherapy agents, new methods such as immune checkpoint inhibitors also show promising results in the treatment of metastatic tumors.

The combination of anticancer drugs often increases treatment effectiveness, especially with medications like cetuximab. When developing a treatment plan, it is important to consider the patient’s overall condition and the potential onset of side effects.

Prevention and Prognosis

To prevent head and neck tumors, it is important to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, maintain proper oral hygiene, and have regular medical check-ups. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to the development of tumors, making proper nutrition essential.

The expected course of the disease is closely related to the early detection of diagnosis. In the case of oral cavity tumors, early diagnosis allows 80% of patients to survive to their fifth year, while this rate dramatically decreases in cases detected at advanced stages. The prognosis for head and neck tumors can be improved with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thus enhancing patients’ quality of life and survival chances.