There are several types of cancers, and one that not a lot of people know about is head and neck cancer. As opposed to the name, head and neck cancer can involve multiple cancers. This means that a person can develop more than one primary cancer in the head and neck region, also called second primary malignancies (SPMs) or multiple primary cancers.
While understanding the risk factors is crucial, recognising the signs and diagnosing the cancer early is even more important. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Nitin Bomanwar, Associate Director of Surgical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur, shares useful insights about head and neck cancer and a guide to regular self-checks.
Also Read: 5 Crucial Factors Behind The Rise of Head & Neck Cancer in India and Globally
What Is Head And Neck Cancer?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes cancers of the head and neck as those that start in several places in the head and throat, not including brain cancers or cancers of the eye. According to the health body, these cancers can start:
- In the sinuses, i.e., the spaces around the nose on the inside of the skull
- Inside and behind the nose
- In the mouth, including the tongue, the gums, and the roof of the mouth
- In the back of the mouth and the throat (pharynx), which includes three sections called the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx
- In the larynx (voice box)
- On the lips, although cancer on the lips is a type of skin cancer
- In the glands that make saliva for the mouth, but those are relatively rare
“In India, cancers of the head and neck are among the most frequently diagnosed ones—especially in men,” says Dr Bomanwar, adding that these cancers include those of the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nasal passages, and salivary glands.
According to him, many of these cancers develop slowly, and the early signs often go unnoticed. But the encouraging truth is this: “Most head and neck cancers are preventable. With small but consistent changes to lifestyle, the risk can be reduced considerably.”
Risk Factors For Head And Neck Cancer
Dr Bomanwar emphasises the importance of assessing one’s risk factor for head and neck cancer.
According to him, tobacco remains the leading cause. “The problem is not limited to smoking; smokeless forms such as gutkha, khaini, and betel quid with tobacco are equally dangerous. These products come in contact with the mouth’s inner lining repeatedly, and over time, the damage builds up.”
“What begins as mild irritation or discolouration can turn into a pre-cancerous patch. If left unchecked, it may progress to full-blown cancer,” he explains.
He further adds that alcohol, too, plays a harmful role. When tobacco and alcohol are both used, the damage multiplies. This combination is known to be one of the most potent risk factors.
In addition, factors such as poor oral hygiene, the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the body, and poor nutrition can also play a role. There are also occupational risks to consider. People exposed to certain chemicals, wood dust, or fumes over extended periods may face a slightly higher chance of developing sinus or nasal cancers.
Also Read: Are Senior Citizens More At Risk Of Head And Neck Cancer?
‘The Biggest Challenge Isn’t Always The Presence Of Risk—It’s Delay In Recognising It’
According to Dr Bomanwar, when it comes to head and neck cancer, the biggest challenge isn’t always the presence of risk but the delay in recognising it. "A persistent ulcer in the mouth, a hoarse voice that doesn’t improve, or a painless swelling in the neck are often brushed off. These early signs don’t always cause distress, so they are easy to ignore. But waiting for discomfort to appear is not the best approach," he notes.
What Regular Self-Checks Look Like For Preventing Head And Neck Cancer
A recent study published in Supportive Care in Cancer suggests that despite advancements in the treatment of head and neck cancer, the survival rates remain low, mostly due to initial late-stage diagnosis, which means that the disease is not recognised early.
This highlights the importance of noticing even subtle changes in the body and getting it examined by a medical professional.
“Regular self-checks help,” says Dr Bomanwar, who adds, “Looking inside the mouth once a week, noting any new patches, swelling, or sores, especially in those with a tobacco history, is a habit worth forming.”
Any symptom that lingers beyond two weeks should be shown to a doctor. That simple decision—seeking help early—can change the outcome dramatically.
According to him, healthcare providers also play a vital role. General physicians, dentists, and ENT specialists are often the first to notice something unusual. Their ability to recognise early warning signs and guide patients toward timely evaluation can make a real difference.
Bottomline
In his concluding remarks, Dr Bomanwar says, “Reducing head and neck cancer risk doesn’t require radical change. It calls for awareness, consistency, and attention to the body’s early signals. The choices people make daily—what they consume, how they care for their mouth, when they act on symptoms—shape their long-term health.”
He adds, “Prevention begins well before diagnosis. It begins in the ordinary details of life: what is chewed, what is ignored, and whether that small symptom is taken seriously. And in the case of head and neck cancers, that early attention is often the reason someone gets to walk away healthy.”