Head and Neck Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types and PET-CT as a Diagnostic Tool

Any cancer in the head and neck can affect the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity or salivary glands. It usually affects the flat (squamous) cells lining the wet regions of the mouth, throat, voice box, and elsewhere. Early symptoms should be identified and properly diagnosed so that they can be treated and appropriate treatment can be taken.

Awareness about cancer symptoms, causes, and types is significant because a cancer of the head or neck can be life-threatening. Symptoms of head and neck cancers may mimic dental and/or throat problems. Various tests may be performed, such as an imaging scan (PET scan), to help the doctor get more information about the disease and how it is likely to progress in future treatments.

Types of Head and Neck Cancer

There are a variety of head and neck cancer types, each originating in a different region of the head and neck.

1. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer forms in the mouth and can occur in the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the mouth or the floor of the mouth, or the roof. If a mouth ulcer (mouth sore) doesn't get better over a period of time, or is associated with white or red patches, or a lump inside the mouth, seek medical evaluation.

2. Throat Cancer

This can occur anywhere in your throat. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, pain, or long-term changes to your voice.

3. Laryngeal Cancer

This is cancer of the voice box (larynx). Symptoms may include long-term hoarseness or changes to your voice, trouble speaking, and trouble swallowing.

4. Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer

This cancer develops in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses (air-filled cavities surrounding the nose). Symptoms may include long-term nasal congestion, nosebleeds, facial pain, and swelling.

5. Salivary Gland Cancer

This is cancer of the salivary glands. Symptoms may include facial weakness or other lumps found around the jaw, cheek, or neck area that have been present for some time.

Common Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

• A sore throat that does not improve.
• A lump or swelling in the neck.
• Persistent mouth ulcers.
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing.
• Changes in voice or long-lasting hoarseness.
• Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or nose.
• Persistent ear pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• A blocked nose that does not improve.

Role of PET-CT in Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

PET-CT is an imaging method that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). It gives details of metabolic activity and the structure of tissues within the body.

A small amount of radioactive tracer (usually FDG) is injected into the body during the scan. Many tumour cells take up more glucose than normal tissue, so the tracer collects in them. Both the PET and the CT images aid in determining increased metabolic activity as well as detailed anatomical data. 

• Assessing the extent of cancer in the head and neck.
• Identify whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Look for possible distant spread to other organs.
• Evaluate the response to cancer treatment.
• Detect possible recurrence during follow-up when clinically indicated.

PET-CT is not a substitute for biopsy and/or clinical evaluation. Tracer uptake has also been found to be increased by inflammation and infections. Hence, interpretation of scan results needs to be done in conjunction with other clinical data.

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy: Advanced PET-CT Imaging

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy offers highly specialized diagnostic imaging such as Digital PET-CT for the diagnostic assessment of different pathologies such as cancer. The centre has a strong emphasis on modern imaging technology and patient care in the field of diagnosis. PET-CT scans can help oncologists gain useful information about disease activity and spread. The need for a scan is based on the patient's condition and the recommendation of the treating specialist.

Conclusion

Head and neck cancers can occur in many areas of your mouth, throat, nose, and voice box. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as ulcers in the mouth, trouble swallowing, changes to your voice, or changes to your neck that aren’t going away, then you shouldn’t ignore them. Getting checked by a medical professional can help identify the cause and what treatments can be used. There are many tests that can be carried out to help with cancer evaluations. This includes biopsies, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET CT scans. The patient will also receive appropriate care based on their condition.