Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Treatment at HCG Kolkata

Table of Contents

• Understanding Head and Neck Cancer
• Importance of Early Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata
• Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Available at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata
• Supportive and Rehabilitative Care
• Why Choose HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a broader term used for the cancers that arise from the tissues of the oral cavity, throat, nasal cavity, voice box, salivary glands, and sinuses.

In most cases, the disease usually originates from squamous cells lining the head and neck regions. Individuals who use tobacco, consume alcohol, or have chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are at increased risk for developing this cancer.

Patients with head and neck cancer experience difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat, lumps in the neck, hoarseness, and non-healing oral ulcers. Early detection improves outcomes and overall quality of life.

People suspected of head and neck cancer undergo comprehensive physical examinations, imaging tests, and biopsies for a confirmed diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis and individual case parameters, personalized treatment plans are created for these cases.

The treatment options available include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Preventive measures for head and neck cancer are avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining oral hygiene, and getting the HPV vaccination.

Additional Reading: Head and Neck Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Cancer Awareness

Importance of Early Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

Like any other cancer, head and neck cancers are best treated when they are diagnosed and treated in early stages. The following are key reasons why early detection of head and neck cancers is important:

• Improved Outcome: In the early stages, the disease is still localized and can be successfully treated with fewer complications. An early diagnosis not only increases the chances of successful outcomes and better survival rates but also improves the quality of life.
• Less Aggressive Therapies: In early stages, head and neck cancers can be managed with less aggressive treatments, such as organ-preservation surgery, which is crucial for preserving the structure and functioning of the organ.
• Improved Quality of Life: Patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer will often need more aggressive treatment approaches for effective management. These aggressive and combined treatments result in various side effects and negatively impact the recovery. Early detection reduces complications and improves quality of life.
• Role of Awareness and Screening: To detect this disease in early stages, patients should not ignore early head and neck cancer symptoms, such as oral ulcers, changes in voice, and neck lumps. Additionally, head and neck cancer screening is important for early detection.

Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata

As a leading cancer hospital in Kolkata, HCG has advanced facilities for head and neck cancer diagnosis:

• Clinical Evaluation: At HCG Kolkata, the head and neck cancer diagnosis begins with detailed medical history assessments and physical examinations to understand the underlying cause of symptoms experienced.
• Endoscopic Assessment: Specialists at HCG Kolkata use advanced endoscopy techniques to have a clear view of the oral cavity, larynx, and throat. Through endoscopy, our oncologists examine the suspicious areas. In some cases, tissue samples are also collected for further evaluation.
• Imaging Techniques: HCG Kolkata also has state-of-the-art imaging tools, such as CT, MRI, and PET-CT scans. The images obtained through these techniques allow clinicians to determine the size, location, and type of tumor.
• Pathology and Biopsy: We perform biopsies on tissue samples to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis and plan treatment accordingly.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the multidisciplinary team will carefully review the individual case parameters and accordingly recommend a customized treatment plan.

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Available at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata

A leading head and neck cancer hospital in Kolkata, HCG offers comprehensive cancer care for head and neck cancers.

The following are the different head and neck cancer treatment options:

• Surgery: HCG Kolkata offers both open and minimally invasive surgery options for head and neck cancer. Our specialists recommend robotic surgery with da Vinci X for certain head and neck cancer cases. This approach ensures precise tumor removal with fewer complications, reduced pain, and minimal scarring.
  
  Patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery through robotic technique have a higher likelihood of preserving their speech and swallowing functions.
• Radiation Therapy: HCG Kolkata houses the modern Radixact X9 TomoTherapy platform for personalized radiotherapy. This head and neck cancer treatment approach is noninvasive and precise, with relatively fewer complications, and patients only experience temporary, organ-specific side effects.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer is usually implemented along with other treatment options, such as surgery and radiotherapy. We have some of the best medical oncologists in Kolkata as part of our expert team, who devise personalized chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy prevents the spread and shrinks the tumor.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is an advanced head and neck cancer treatment approach that involves stimulating the immune system to fight against cancer cells. Oncologists usually recommend this treatment for patients with advanced head and neck cancer; however, it may be recommended in early stages if the patient may benefit from it.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy targets specific proteins or genes in the cancer cells, which are responsible for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. They have fewer side effects compared to conventional head and neck cancer treatments.

Additional Reading: Head & Neck Cancer Recurrence: Expert Q&A

Supportive and Rehabilitative Care

Supportive and rehabilitative care is a key aspect of cancer management for head and neck cancer patients, as it helps manage side effects, supports faster recovery, and improves the quality of life.

• Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Both the disease and treatment can affect speech and swallowing. We have highly trained speech and swallowing therapy specialists at HCG Kolkata who can help patients regain their speech and swallowing abilities and return to their normal lives.
• Physiotherapy: Certain treatments can lead to movement dysfunction in the neck and shoulder regions. In such cases, patients should consider physical exercises after head and neck cancer treatment to regain movement and have better recovery.
• Nutritional Support: Healthy nutrition accelerates recovery. At HCG, we have specialists who provide nutritional counselling to cancer patients during and after cancer treatment.
• Psychological and Emotional Support: When patients are diagnosed with cancer, they experience depression, anxiety, and emotional stress. Patients who seek counseling and mental health services to manage these conditions show a better treatment response.
• Pain and Symptom Management: Supportive and rehabilitative care involves managing fatigue, pain, and other symptoms associated with the disease or treatment.

Why Choose HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment?

HCG Cancer Centre is one of the finest cancer care centers for head and neck cancer treatment in Kolkata because of the following unique characteristics:

• Advanced Technology: HCG Kolkata offers cutting-edge treatment and diagnostic facilities, like robotic surgery with da Vinci X, Radixact X9 Tomotherapy for radiotherapy, and PET-CT. These techniques ensure accurate and early diagnosis.
• Expert Multidisciplinary Team: Each case is carefully reviewed and managed by our multidisciplinary care team comprising surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pain management specialists, and more. The aim is to deliver optimal care to patients with head and neck cancer.
• Comprehensive Treatment Options: The hospital offers both conventional and novel treatment options under a single roof. The treatments available are chemotherapy, surgery (open, minimally invasive, and reconstruction), radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
• Focus on Supportive Care: The hospital also offers supportive and rehabilitative care services, such as speech therapy, emotional support, and nutrition counseling.
• Patient-Centric Approach: HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, aims to deliver the best possible care to patients with head and neck cancer through customized treatment plans and transparent communication.

To meet the best head and neck cancer specialist in Kolkata, reach out to HCG.

Conclusion

Head and neck cancer is a collective term for the cancers of the oral cavity, throat, voice box, salivary glands, and sinus. The diagnosis is made through detailed examination, imaging techniques, and biopsy. Tobacco and alcohol consumption and chronic HPV infection are considered common head and neck cancer causes.

The treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. Early detection improves survival chances. Supportive and rehabilitative treatment improves the overall quality of life.