Terms commonly used in head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a relatively common cancer. When searching for information about head and neck cancer, patients can have difficulty because some of the terms are specialized. This article will introduce some common terms in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer.

Neck and neck cancer is a general term that covers many different types of cancer. Most head and neck cancers usually start in the squamous cells that line the lining surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and larynx). These cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region. Head and neck cancers can also start in the salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck region, but these cancers are much less common than squamous cell cancers. Based on the anatomy of the head and neck, head and neck cancer can form in:
Oral cavity: Includes lips, front 2/3 of tongue, gums, inner lining of cheeks and lips, floor (bottom) the mouth under the tongue, the hard palate (the bone at the top of the mouth), and the small gum area behind the wisdom teeth. Pharynx (pharynx): The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that begins at the back of the nose and leads to the esophagus. There are three parts: the nasopharynx (the upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose); pharynx (middle part of pharynx, including soft palate, base of tongue, and tonsils); hypopharynx (lower part of pharynx). Laryngeal: The larynx is located in the throat, between the back of the tongue and the windpipe. and consists of 3 regions: supraglottis, glottis and subglottic. The larynx contains the vocal cords. Has a larynx, which can be moved to cover the larynx to help prevent food from entering the airways. Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: The paranasal sinuses are small hollow spaces in the bones of the head that surround the nose. The nasal cavity is the hollow space inside the nose. Salivary glands: Salivary glands are responsible for the production of saliva. The major salivary glands are located on the floor of the mouth and near the jawbone. Smaller salivary glands located throughout the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat Cancer of the brain, eyes, thyroid, and skin of the head and neck are not usually classified as head and neck cancers.

Medical terms are always an obstacle for patients when they want to learn about a certain disease. The following are terms commonly used in head and neck cancer. Being familiar with these terms can help patients better understand their care and treatment plans.
2.1 Terminology Related to Treatment Treatment Team: The medical providers who will care for the patient. Oncologist: A doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Radiation Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. Oncologist: A surgeon with special training in performing biopsies and surgical procedures in cancer patients. Linguist: A specialist who evaluates and treats people with speech and swallowing problems. Also known as speech therapist. Chemoradiation: Treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy: Using drugs to treat cancer. Fractional Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is given in small doses, twice a day. Local treatment: Treatment for a limited area. For example, radiation is only aimed at the part of the body with cancer and is considered a local treatment (just like surgery) Mask: A mask shaped to fit the patient's head and face will be used during radiation treatment. It is made of stiff mesh material and helps to keep the patient's head still during treatment. Regimen: Specific dosage, schedule and duration of treatment. Often used to describe chemotherapy or other drug treatment plans. Simulation: A procedure used to plan radiation therapy so that the target area is precisely located and marked. Systemic treatments: Treatments that affect the whole body, usually with drugs (chemotherapy, targeted therapy). Treatment plan: The course of treatment the patient intends to receive. May be used to describe chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and/or other therapies. Treatment area: One or more places on the body where radiation will be targeted Care and monitoring: Well-being appointments after treatment is complete. Patients will receive follow-up care with each specialist (surgeon, radiation therapist, and oncologist). 2.2 Diagnostic-related terms Diagnostic imaging: These are diagnostic procedures used to monitor and observe the inside of the body before, during and after treatment. Common imaging procedures include CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and more. Staging: A way to describe the size and spread of cancer. CT scan: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. Endoscopy: A procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is placed inside the body or into a specific organ for examination. MRI: an imaging method in which radio waves and a powerful magnet are linked to a computer to create detailed images of areas inside the body. 2.3 Terms related to side effects during treatment Side effect: A problem caused by cancer treatment or the cancer itself. Late onset side effects: Side effects occurred 6 months or more after the end of treatment. Also called the late effect. Alopecia: Alopecia areata, where some or all of the patient's hair, eyebrows, and/or eyelashes are lost. Anemia: Low red blood cell count Choking: Accidentally inhaling food, liquids, drugs or secretions into the lungs. This can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia and other lung problems. Dysphagia: A term used to describe difficulty swallowing. Esophagitis: The esophagus becomes inflamed, which can cause a sore throat. Inflammation: Redness, swelling, pain and/or burning sensation in an area of ​​the body. Lymphedema: A buildup of fluid in the body, causing swelling. Mucositis: Inflammation of the lining of the digestive system can cause pain and sores. Taste change: is the change in the patient's taste after treatment. Thrush: Also known as candidiasis and candidiasis. This is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control in moist areas of the body. This is usually the result of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of chemotherapy or antibiotic treatment. It usually affects the mouth (thrush) or areas of skin with folds. In rare cases, the fungus can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis. In this case, the patient needs to use systemic antifungal drugs to treat. Dry mouth: occurs when the body cannot make enough saliva. Dry mouth also makes the mouth more susceptible to infections and sores. Above are some common terms in head and neck cancer. Understanding these types of terms helps patients better understand and adhere to cancer treatment. If you have any questions about head and neck cancer, do not hesitate to visit medical facilities for advice from a specialist.
Oncology Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is fully equipped with cancer treatment modalities: From surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, radiosurgery to pain treatment and palliative care. The diagnosis is made carefully: blood test, X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, myelogram, myelogram, biopsy, immunohistochemistry, biological diagnosis molecule.
The treatment process is closely coordinated with many specialties: Center for Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Testing, Cardiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Endocrinology, Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Psychology, Department of Medicine. Nutrition, Pain Treatment and Palliative Care Department, in order to bring patients the optimal treatment regimen and the most reasonable cost.

Source: oncolink