Nursing Care for Neck Cancer

Neck Cancer Definition

Content is medically reviewed by:

Dr. Udaya Kumar Maiya (MBBS, MD, DNB(RT), DCCF (Paris), Medical Director, Portea.

Neck cancer is a type of cancer in which the affected area is the throat. The larynx, also known as the voice box and the pharynx are the most affected zone; although throat cancer also refers to the cancer of the esophagus, trachea and the thyroid. In this type, the squamous cell that lines the surface of the throat develops cancer.

There are several factors that promote this type of cancer. Some of the most common causes are the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The chance of developing a neck cancer, also commonly referred to as the cancer of the head and neck region, increases manifold in case of an individual, who is in regular consumption of alcohol and tobacco at the same time.

Neck Cancer Symptoms

There are several cases when a person doesn’t show any neck cancer symptoms at all. Also, the signs and symptoms of a neck cancer vary from individual to individual. At times, people may show the symptom stated below, which may not always indicate cancer and rather some other underlying health condition. Some of the most common neck cancer symptoms that can be seen among individuals are-

• A sore throat or a swelling that is not healing
• A patch in the mouth, usually red or white in color
• A lump or bump in the head or in the neck region that may or may not have pain
• A sore throat that is persistent
• Unexplained mouth odor despite maintaining proper hygiene
• Voice change and in some cases hoarseness
• Unexplained nasal congestion or a persistent one
• Bleeding from nose or nasal discharges that are unusual
• Having breathing difficulty
• Problem with vision
• Numbness in the neck region
• Difficulty while swallowing or even while moving the tongue
• Mucus with bloody discharge
• Excessive fatigue
• Sudden loss of weiht

These are some of the neck cancer symptoms that are very common. If a person has any of these symptoms, visiting a doctor at the earliest is the most advisable option. Depending on the neck cancer stages, it can be treated. However, the prognosis for this type of cancer is also an important aspect that should be taken care of. At times, neck cancer treatment at home is recommended for proper neck cancer care is highly advisable.

Neck Cancer Causes

While there are many factors that can be considered as neck cancer causes, the two most widely seen factors are the consumption of any form of tobacco and alcohol. There is also a strain of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, type 16) that can cause cancer in the oropharyngeal region.

There are also other risk factors that are as follows-

• Betel Quid: Commonly known as Paan, its consumption is quite common among the people of Southeast Asia. This habit not only increases the risk of a neck cancer but can also cause cancer in other parts of the body as well.
• Smoking Cigarettes: A single cigarette contains enough carcinogens to mutate the genes, resulting in cancer.
• Occupational Hazards: An individual getting exposed to wood dust may be at a risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer. Also, asbestos has been directly related to the cancer of the larynx.
• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation in the head and neck region also acts as neck cancer causes.
• Epstein-Barr Virus: Infection by this type of virus also increases your chance of developing cancer.

Neck Cancer Types

The affected zone varies among individuals. In a neck cancer, the different part of the neck region gets affected. Also, post-diagnosis, the neck cancer care should be on par for a faster recovery. There are several neck cancer home treatment options that can be very well availed and which will ensure the best neck cancer treatment at home.

The different neck cancer types are as follows-

• Laryngeal cancer
• Hypopharyngeal cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Nasal Cavity Cancer
• Squamous Neck cancer

By advising different types of neck cancer diagnostic test, the doctor comes to a conclusion regarding the treatment methods.

Neck Cancer Diagnosis

In order to make a diagnosis, the things that the doctor considers are-

• The symptoms
• Medical history
• The lifestyle of an individual

Based on these, the doctor asks for biopsy of the tissue, which is then observed under a microscope to learn about the growth type. To know about the neck cancer stages, the doctor may opt for various neck cancer screening tests along with neck cancer diagnostic tests that help in making a proper neck cancer diagnosis. Various neck cancer tests ensure in making the right diagnosis and know about the chances of recovery.

Neck Cancer Treatment

There are various factors that are necessary to consider for a neck cancer treatment. These are-

• The stage
• Location of growth
• Age of the patient
• The general health of the patient

Also, it is important to note that the individuals who have positive HPV, the neck cancer treatment will be different. Thus, considering the different factors, the patients are prescribed chemotherapy, radiation, some form of targeted therapy and even surgery.

While the neck cancer treatment is different for an HPV positive and negative individual, the prognosis is better for HPV positive individuals. But this is only possible with the best neck cancer care at home.

How Can We Help?

To give you comfort during your treatment and neck cancer care, Portea is your one-stop solution. Here the doctors and nurses are very well trained to handle even the most complicated cases of cancers. Avail the services of our nurses for neck cancer, who will take care of the patient in a very professional way. By trusting Portea, neck cancer treatment at home will be a very convenient option for you.

Visiting a hospital repeatedly can be a very tedious tough, especially when you have a bedridden patient. To help you get the best neck cancer care at home, our customized neck cancer home treatment plan will be a favorable thing for you at the moment of crisis.