The anatomy of the regions of the head and neck comprises various organs such as thyroid and parathyroid glands, salivary glands, oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, paranasal sinus, skin tissue. Sometimes benign or malignant tumors may arise in these regions offending any of those organs.

RISK FACTORS

Most malignant tumors of the head and neck region are due to smoking and alcohol abuse. Tumors of the skin tissue are due to sunlight.

PREVENTION

It is important to change your life and abstain from bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. To prevent skin cancer you need to apply sun protecting creams and keep away from the sunlight as much as possible.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms usually depend upon the location of the neoplasm. For instance a polyp that arises on the vocal cords may cause hoarseness. A polyp in the nose may cause a congested nostril. A tumor on the tongue may appear as a soar that does not heal. A tumor of the tonsil or of the thyroid gland may appear as a lump which is felt with fingers and persists for several months.

DIAGNOSIS

In most cases a simple physical examination is sufficient to lead us to diagnosis. Sometimes other diagnostic techniques are used additionally: endoscopic, imaging or lab tests.

TREATMENT

For benign as well as malignant tumors of the head and neck regions treatment is mainly surgical. Most of the malignant tumors can be cured and have an excellent prognosis, especially when they are detected early. Ιn the case of malignant tumors with widely spread cancer, additional therapy, such as radiation and chemotherapy, will be required.

PROGNOSIS

Benign tumors have an excellent prognosis. As far as malignant tumors are concerned, the earliest they are detected, the more possible it is to cure them before the disease spreads. Early diagnosis and treatment from a specialized surgeon are prerequisites to maximize the oncological outcome.