Madison (WKOW) —UW Health oncologists recommended that patients be screened for head and neck cancer. This allows for early detection and treatment of the disease.
According to a news release by UW Health spokesperson Emily Kumlien, about 4% of annual cancer cases in the United States are classified as head and neck cancer, including tumors of the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, mouth, and skin. ..
Dr. Tiffany Glazer, a head and neck cancer surgeon at UW Health, found that recent patients with these cancers have shown more severe cases and are at a later stage. Glazer pointed out that the cause of the pandemic was less visits to primary care and dentists.
“Patients are often referred to head and neck cancer specialists by primary care and dentists because these providers are aware of early signs,” Glazer said in a release. I am. “But unfortunately, these appointments were delayed or reduced by the pandemic.”
Symptoms of head and neck cancer include neck mass, pain, speech problems, swallowing or breathing, mouth bleeding, tooth mobility, and white or red spots along the gums, according to Kumlien.
Dr. Paul Harari, an oncologist at UW Health, said the location of these cancers in patients because tumors can affect the patient’s appearance and interfere with their ability to speak, swallow, and breathe. He said it would lead to the most feared.
“Of all types of cancer, head and neck cancer can be one of the most feared cancers for patients, based on important locations such as the mouth, throat, face, and neck.” Harari said in the release. “These cancers can be difficult and treatment requires a team of experienced interdisciplinary experts.”
The use of alcohol and tobacco can be a risk factor for developing head and neck cancer, Glazer said. She also pointed out one vaccine that specifically fights widespread cancer.
“Over the past few years, we have also seen a tendency for head and neck cancer to be caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV,” said Glazer. “That’s why we encourage everyone with young children to be vaccinated against HPV. This is a remarkable vaccine that can reduce the risk of some cancers.”
According to Glazer, some care teams have found that patients are too embarrassed to worry about their appearance during treatment. However, she said maintaining physical presentation as closely as possible is an important aspect of treatment.
“Reconstruction is an important aspect of cancer removal surgery,” Glazer said. “Surgeons, for example, prioritize the use of tissue in similar areas to match colors and textures as closely as possible.”
click Here To learn more about current head and neck cancer research in Wisconsin.
