Dr Shamit Chopra, Head of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Director at Patel Hospital in Jalandhar, emphasises the critical importance of early detection in the successful treatment of head, oral and neck cancers. He warns that these cancers carry a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent, underscoring the urgent need for timely diagnosis and intervention.
What types are included in head and neck
cancers? What is their morbidity and mortality rate in India?
Head and
neck cancers include cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), thyroid,
nose/sinuses and neck nodes. These cancers are among the leading causes of
cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India, accounting for over 2.5 lakh
new cases and more than 1.4 lakh deaths annually.
What are the
common symptoms of head and neck cancers? The most common symptom is
non-healing ulcers in the mouth or throat. Other symptoms may include swelling
or masses in the neck or face, difficulty in swallowing, speaking, breathing,
or opening the mouth, unexplained weight loss, oral or nasal bleeding and pain
radiating to the ear.
What are
the common risk factors? The key risk factor is tobacco use, whether through
smoking or chewing. Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol
consumption, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, chronic irritants such as
sharp dentition, betel quid and spicy or gastritis foods.
On what factors
does the success of treatment depend? The key to curing head and neck cancer is
early detection. When diagnosed in premalignant or early stages, these cancers
can be treated with high success rates. Raising awareness is the first step
toward saving lives. Treatments may involve a range of surgical procedures,
including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, laser microsurgery for
thyroid and salivary gland cancers and microvascular reconstruction.
What has
been your contribution in research for the disease? Our hospital published an
international manuscript last month. April was observed as the international
oral, head and neck cancer awareness month. I have personally authored over 60
scientific publications and presented papers at more than 370 national and
international forums. I have pioneered numerous patient-focused cancer
programmes. My ongoing focus on outcomes-based care, precision surgery and
multidisciplinary cancer management continues to shape the future of oncology
in India.
No comments:
Post a Comment