Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Head and neck cancers refer to a group of cancers that start in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region — including the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. Most of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, beginning in the lining of the moist surfaces in these areas.
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the nasopharynx (upper throat behind the nose), mouth/oral cavity, throat, and larynx (voice box).
In the Philippines, nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the more notable head & neck cancers. Based on GLOBOCAN 2022:
Risk factors for head and neck cancers can include tobacco use and alcohol consumption, and in some settings, betel/areca nut chewing (especially when combined with tobacco)—which is associated with increased risk of oral lesions and oral cancer.
These figures highlight why early evaluation of persistent symptoms (e.g., a neck lump, persistent sore throat/hoarseness, mouth sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing) and timely care are important.
Early signs can be subtle. Symptoms may include:
There is currently no standard population screening for head and neck cancers. However, early detection is possible through regular dental check-ups, ENT (ear, nose and throat) evaluations, and monitoring of persistent symptoms, especially in individuals at higher risk (such as smokers, heavy alcohol users, or those with HPV infection).
Localised, smaller tumours without spread
Larger, locally advanced, or metastatic disease
Treatment is personalised depending on the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Options include:
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the nasopharynx (upper throat behind the nose), mouth/oral cavity, throat, and larynx (voice box).
In the Philippines, nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the more notable head & neck cancers. Based on GLOBOCAN 2022:
Risk factors for head and neck cancers can include tobacco use and alcohol consumption, and in some settings, betel/areca nut chewing (especially when combined with tobacco)—which is associated with increased risk of oral lesions and oral cancer.
These figures highlight why early evaluation of persistent symptoms (e.g., a neck lump, persistent sore throat/hoarseness, mouth sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing) and timely care are important.
At OncoCare Philippines, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, ENT and head & neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Patients are also supported by oncology nurses, dietitians, speech and swallowing therapists, and psycho-oncology counsellors. Together, they design a personalised treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
