Oral, head and neck cancer increasing among younger people
Parkland expert urges prevention and early detection
Next time you visit your doctor or dentist it might be a good idea to inquire about screening for head and neck cancer. Each year, an estimated 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of this cancer, often at later stages.
And while these cancers in the past were considered to primarily affect older men, more recent research shows there may be an increase among younger people, in part because of a dramatic rise in the number of cases of the human papillomavirus (HPV). April 10-16 is National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week and a great time to learn more about this cancer and early detection.
“Tobacco and alcohol use have always been considered primary risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, especially those of the tongue, mouth, throat and larynx (voice box),” said Teresa V. Chan-Leveno, MD, Chief of Otolaryngology at Parkland Health & Hospital System and Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
“But in the past 10 years, we have seen HPV emerge as a significant risk factor in the rise of cancers of the oropharynx (tonsil and base of tongue) in young non-smokers and there is likely a link to oral sex,” Dr. Chan-Leveno said. “Each year, more than 10,000 new cases of head and neck cancer can be attributed to a particular strain of HPV.”
Health experts note that individuals often underestimate the importance of being screened for this type of cancer because they believe they would notice if something were seriously wrong. But the fact is that more than 50 percent of patients have advanced cases of cancer by the time they first visit a doctor about the problem.
Head and neck cancers are those that start in the tissues of the head and neck, including larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose and salivary glands. Most of these cancers usually begin in squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck, such as mouth, nose and throat. And because of its location, head and neck cancer often affects breathing, eating, drinking, speaking and appearance.
While HPV may be a contributing factor in the recent rise of these cancers, the overwhelming majority are linked to use of alcohol and tobacco, including smokeless tobacco. Head and neck cancer most often is diagnosed in individuals older than 50 years of age, and men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed.
Head and neck cancer may affect individuals differently, but Dr. Chan-Leveno said there are some common symptoms such as:
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Swelling of the jaw
- Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing or speaking
“When it comes to head and neck cancer, the keys are prevention and early detection,” Dr. Chan-Leveno said.
For more information about oral, head and neck cancer, visit www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck. You can also learn more about Parkland's cancer services.
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