Diagnosis and Treatment Methods In Cancer – Oncological Surgery – Head and Neck Surgery

Cancer is an important health problem that affects millions of people worldwide and carries the risk of losing their lives. In cancer treatment, early diagnosis and choosing the right treatment methods are of great importance. In this context, special surgical techniques such as oncological surgery and head and neck surgery aim to achieve effective and successful results in the fight against cancer. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give general information about head and neck surgery, causes and symptoms of head and neck cancers;

What Is Head and Neck Surgery?

Head and neck surgery is a medical discipline that focuses on the surgical removal of cancerous tumors and other abnormal structures in the head and neck region. Head and neck surgeons are doctors who have received special training in this field and specialize in head and neck anatomy, pathology and surgical techniques. Head and neck surgery aims to completely remove tumors, reduce loss of function and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What Causes Head and Neck Cancers?

Although the exact cause of head and neck cancers is unknown, some risk factors play an important role in the formation of these cancer types. Smoking and alcohol use are among the biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers. In addition, factors such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, Epstein-Barr virus and prolonged sun exposure can also lead to head and neck cancers. Genetic predisposition and chemical substances exposed in some workplaces can also contribute to the formation of head and neck cancers.

What Are The Symptoms Of Head and Neck Cancers?

Symptoms of head and neck cancers vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, the following symptoms can be seen in general;

• Swelling or mass in the neck,
• Persistent pain in the mouth, throat or tongue,
• Dysphagia and pain,
• Hoarseness or change in voice,
• Pain in the ear or hearing loss,
• Nasal congestion or bleeding,
• Persistent white or red spots in the mouth or throat,
• Pain or numbness felt in the teeth or jaw,
• Weight loss and weakness,

Early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers can significantly increase the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist immediately and have the necessary examinations done.

How Are Head and Neck Cancers Diagnosed?

Head and neck cancers are malignant tumors that affect tissues and organs in the head and neck region. These types of cancer can occur in areas such as the tongue, larynx, salivary gland, nose, and sinuses. A range of tests and procedures are used to diagnose head and neck cancers. Information on how head and neck cancers are diagnosed is briefly as follows;

The first step in the diagnosis of head and neck cancers is for the doctor to carefully examine the patient’s head and neck area. The doctor checks the patient’s throat, mouth and neck area to detect swelling, masses and abnormal structures.

Endoscopy is often used to diagnose head and neck cancers. In this method, the doctor can examine the patient’s mouth, nose and throat using a thin, flexible tube (endoscope). The endoscope contains a light and a camera that makes it easier to see abnormal areas.

A biopsy is often necessary to diagnose head and neck cancers. A biopsy is a process of taking a tissue sample from a suspicious mass and analyzing it. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and the tissue sample is examined in the pathology laboratory.

Imaging tests play an important role in the diagnosis of head and neck cancers. These tests include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasonography. These tests help determine the size and spread of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.

How Is The Treatment Of Head and Neck Cancers?

Treatment of head and neck cancers varies depending on the type and stage of cancer and the general health status of the patient. The treatment methods applied in head and neck cancers are briefly as follows;

• Surgery is a frequently preferred method in the treatment of head and neck cancers. With surgery, cancerous tissue and some of the surrounding healthy tissues are removed. If necessary, lymph nodes and other structures can also be removed.

• Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Radiotherapy can be given before or after surgery and is sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy.

• Chemotherapy is a treatment method using drugs that prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. In head and neck cancers, chemotherapy is usually used in combination with radiotherapy and is used to stop the progression of cancer or relieve symptoms.

• Targeted therapies are drugs that focus on specific molecules or pathways that inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapies for head and neck cancers are often used in combination with other treatment modalities.

• Immunotherapy is a treatment method that helps the patient fight cancer by strengthening the immune system. Immunotherapy in head and neck cancers is usually used in advanced-stage patients and in cases that do not respond to other treatments.

How Are Head and Neck Cancers Diagnosed?

Head and neck cancers are malignant tumors that start in organs in the head and neck region such as the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, salivary glands and lymph nodes. Early diagnosis of head and neck cancers is very important to increase treatment success. The diagnostic process begins with the patient’s complaints, physical examination and medical imaging methods.

Physical Examination,

Endoscopy ,

Biopsy,

Medical Imaging Methods,

How Is The Treatment Of Head and Neck Cancers?

Treatment of head and neck cancers varies depending on the stage, location, type and general health status of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery: In the early stages of cancer, it may be possible to completely remove the tumour with surgery. The healthy tissue and lymph nodes around the surgically removed tumour are also removed, reducing the risk of cancer spreading.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy aims to kill cancer cells using high-energy radiation. Radiotherapy methods used in head and neck cancers include external radiation therapy and brachytherapy.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy aims to treat cancer cells by using drugs that prevent them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy drugs used in head and neck cancers can be taken intravenously or orally.

Targeted Therapies: In some head and neck cancers, targeted drugs that prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells can be used. These drugs are usually used in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

What Is Oral Cancer and Why Does It Occur?

Oral cancer is malignant tumours that start in the lips, tongue, gums, inside the cheek, palate and floor of the mouth. Factors that cause oral cancer include smoking and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, sun exposure, excessive alcohol consumption, age and gender.

• Smoking and alcohol use,
• HPV infection,
• Sun exposure,
• Age and gender,

What Is Pharyngeal Cancer and Why Does It Occur?

Cancer of the pharynx is a malignant tumor that occurs in the tubular organ called the pharynx located in the head and neck region. The pharynx is a structure that connects the oral and nasal cavities to the esophagus and trachea and helps to swallow and breathing. Cancer of the pharynx is caused by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells in this area.

Although the causes of pharyngeal cancer are not known exactly, some risk factors are known. Smoking and alcohol use are among the factors that significantly increase the risk of developing pharyngeal cancer. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, dental and gum diseases due to poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of salty and spicy foods, genetic factors and radiation exposure are among the factors that increase the risk of pharyngeal cancer.

What Are Lip and Oral Cavity Cancers and Why Do They Occur?

Cancers of the lips and oral cavity are malignant tumors that occur in the cells of structures such as the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, the floor of the mouth, and palate. The most common type of lip and oral cavity cancers is a type called squamous cell carcinoma, and these cancers originate from the squamous cells lining the inner surface of the mouth and lips.

Many factors play a role in the development of lip and oral cavity cancers. Smoking and alcohol use are among the most important risk factors for this type of cancer. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, exposure to sunlight, dental and gum diseases due to poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of salty and spicy foods, genetic factors and weakened immune system are among the factors that increase the risk of developing lip and oral cavity cancers.

What Is Nasal (Nasopharyngeal) Cancer and Why Does It Occur?

Nasal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the structure called nasopharynx located in the head and neck region. The nasopharynx is an organ located behind the nasal cavity and between the pharynx and the skull base. Nasal cancer usually presents with symptoms such as swelling behind the nose, behind the ears and in the neck, nasal congestion, hearing loss and numbness in the face.

Although the causes of nasal cancer are not known exactly, some risk factors are known. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is the most important factor that significantly increases the risk of developing nasal cancer. In addition, smoking and alcohol use, exposure to chemicals, genetic factors and people living in certain geographical regions such as South China, North Africa and the Middle East are at higher risk.

How Does Larynx Cancer Occur?

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells in the larynx (larynx). The larynx is an important organ that helps with breathing, sound production and swallowing. Laryngeal cancer can usually be successfully treated if detected and treated early.

The most common causes of laryngeal cancer can be listed as follows;

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. The combination of these two factors increases the risk even more.

• Low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption may increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.

• HPV is a virus that plays a role in some cases of laryngeal cancer.

• In families with a history of laryngeal cancer, the risk of developing the disease is higher.

• People who work with chemicals or in extremely dusty environments are at risk of laryngeal cancer.

The process of laryngeal cancer usually begins with DNA damage in the laryngeal cells. This damage causes the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumour and spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Early detection and treatment increases the chances of successful treatment of laryngeal cancer.

What Is Salivary Gland Cancer and How Does It Occur?

Salivary gland cancer is a malignant tumour that starts in the salivary glands. Salivary glands are small glands responsible for the production of saliva, which keeps the mouth and throat moist. Although salivary gland cancer is relatively rare, it can be successfully treated if detected and treated early.

Although the exact causes of salivary gland cancer are unknown, some risk factors can be explained as follows;

• The risk of salivary gland cancer increases with age. In most cases, patients are older than 50 years.

• People who have undergone radiation therapy have a higher risk of salivary gland cancer.

• In families with a history of salivary gland cancer, the risk of developing the disease is higher.

Salivary gland cancer usually starts with DNA damage in the salivary gland cells. This damage causes the cells to grow and multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumour and spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Early detection and treatment increases the chances of successful treatment of salivary gland cancer.

Head and Neck Surgery Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Head and Neck Surgery Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.