Oral, Nose, Throat and Neck Cancer Prevention

The most common form of cancer that ears, nose and throat doctors encounter is nasopharyngeal cancer. This cancer involves the nose, pharynx (throat), and the oral cavity (mouth). The earliest sign is a mass on the neck near the lower portion of the ear. It is sometimes mistaken as lymphadenopathy or simply a swollen lymph node, referred to in Tagalog as “kulane”, that is a temporary and curable condition that can result from colds or infection. Thus, any mass or swelling on aforesaid area of the neck should not be taken lightly. It might be something else rather than just the simple “kulane”. It might be a tumor or cancer.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is preventable. The percentage of cure is high when it is diagnosed at its early stages and as long as the right and indicated treatment is immediately instituted.

Factors related to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer

The most common cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is smoking and alcohol. Avoidance of alcohol and nicotine from cigarettes is therefore the number one preventive measure against nasopharyngeal cancer. It can also developed from poor oral hygiene and dental problems and conditions. Regular visits to the dentist for oral prophylaxis and check-ups can prevent oral cancer. A bitternut or “nga-nga” that is and/or has been popular among the old folks in the north of Luzon is also a cause of oral or mouth cancer. In 1990, Johns Hopkins University found out that oral sex that is linked to the transmission of oral sexually transmitted disease through the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) has a strong connection to the risk in the development of throat cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is established through cellular or pathology studies of samples taken from the mass or tumor. This is also referred to as biopsy or the taking of a small sample of cells or tissues for the identification of cancer cells. The sample can be taken via needle aspiration (fine needle aspiration biopsy), which I believe is the safest way to establish diagnosis in nasopharyngeal tumors. When diagnosis is established, you have to rely on the expertise of an eye, nose and throat doctor for the indicated mode of treatment. In most case radiation therapy is indicated.

National Disaster Consciousness Month and De-worming of School Children Month

The Department of Health launched the month of July as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. On July 30, 2015 the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct a metro-wide earthquake drill called the Metro Manila Shake Drill. July 29 is the second round of the de-worming of school children. The first round was conducted in January 2015 in all public schools throughout the country.