​Head and Neck Cancers: How to Do a Self Check

Steps

1. If you are wearing dentures, remove them before doing a mouth inspection

2. Use a pen-torchlight to shine a light into your mouth and look into a mirror

3. Examine your mouth for the following signs and symptoms:

• Non-healing ulcers
• White or red patches
• Blood-tinged saliva
• Abnormal lumps
• Loosening of teeth
• Soreness at a particular site

4. Be sure to check the following areas of your mouth:

• Roof of mouth 
  Tilt your head back to inspect your hard palate and soft palate
• Lips 
  Look and feel inside your lips
• Tonsil area 
  Examine your tonsil area at the back of your mouth
• Cheeks
  Look and feel inside your cheeks
• Tongue 
  Stick out your tongue and look at the top and under surface
• Floor of mouth 
  Inspect this region by lifting your tongue up
• Upper and lower jaw 
  Inspect your upper and lower jaw

If you have concerns, consult a Head & Neck specialist

There are at least 800 new cases of head and neck cancer in Singapore every year. Worldwide, the incidence of head and neck cancer is on the rise, possibly due to increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer especially in young females. There is also a rising incidence of thyroid carcinoma (also known as thyroid cancer).

1. Males over the age of 40 are more likely to contract head and neck cancer

2. Those infected with cancer-causing subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus

3. Those who engage in the following:

• Alcohol and tobacco use (smoking or chewing) – these are the two most important modifiable risk factors for head and neck cancers
• Chewing paan (betel nut leaf)
• High risk sexual practices such as oral sex

4. Those who have had exposure to:

• Radiation to the head and neck region
• Occupational exposure to asbestos or synthetic fibres

1. Squamous cell carcinoma
   Most head and neck cancers such as oral cancer (most common head and neck cancer), laryngeal cancer (voice box cancer) and pharyngeal cancer (throat cancer) fall into this category.

2. Nasopharyngeal cancer
   Nasopharyngeal cancer (also known as nose cancer) is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the upper part of the throat at the back portion of the nose. It is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus. Singapore has one of the highest incidences of nasopharyngeal carcinomas in the world.

3. Thyroid carcinoma
   The incidence of thyroid cancer has tripled in the last three decades, mostly attributed to detection of asymptomatic patients during health screening.

4. Salivary glands carcinoma
   This type of cancer is relatively less common.

5. Skin cancer and sarcomas arising from the head and neck region
   This type of cancer is more common in the Caucasian population and is linked to excessive sun exposure.

• A raised growth, swelling or lump in the neck 

• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness

• Dark spots, red or white rough patches in the mouth 

• Burning or numbness in the tongue, lip or mouth

• Bleeding from the nose or mouth 

• Painful, sensitive, or loose teeth

• A sore that does not heal

• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing or talking

Head and neck cancers can be detected during self-conducted oral examination or during consultation with a doctor or dentist. Once they are suspected, biopsies and scans (eg. MRI or CT scan) can be used to diagnose the cancer.

Treatment will depend on the staging of the cancer, and can include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Ref: K21

Check out other articles on head and neck cancers:

Multidisciplinary Care for Head and Neck Cancer

Link Between Head and Neck Cancer and Depression

Head and Neck Cancer: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Head and Neck Cancer: Types of Cancers and Treatment