Dr Anil Kamath discusses head and neck cancers

Dr Anil Kamath is a senior surgical oncologist at the health panel in Onco.com with an expertise in gynaecological cancer, gastrointestinal, genitourinary cancer, and head and neck cancer and over 17 years of practice.

Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually occur in the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), swallowing passages, nasal passages and salivary glands. Early detection saves lives and greatly reduces the debilitating side effects associated with this highly preventable type of cancer. Symptoms can be vague, but warning signs include hoarseness, persistent throat and ear pain for more than four weeks. Other symptoms include mouth sores or a lump in the neck. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor. Watch Dr Kamath’s responses to FAQs on head and neck cancers.

1. Who is at risk for head and neck cancer?

Tobacco and alcohol seem to be the biggest culprits among the risk factors for head and neck cancers. Watch the video to find out other causes of head and neck cancers.

2. What is the importance of a multi-disciplinary opinion of head and neck cancer?

Dr Kamath has called out the importance of different specialists coming together in the treatment of head and neck cancers. Different points of view with a flexible, and wide-spanning approach to treatment is significant in solving cancer more effectively.

3. How encouraging are the results in terms cure rates for head and neck cancer?

Here, Dr Kamath explains the survival and success rates of head and neck cancer care and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis for cure.

4. Are clinical trials available in India for head and neck cancer?

Clinical trials for head and neck cancer care have been largely successful. Find out which treatment modalities are best suited for research and development today.

5. How often is follow up required after treatment?

Here, Dr Kamath highlights the availability of diagnostic procedures, socioeconomic factors and the stage of cancer as factors in follow-up care.

Watch the full video below for more insights on symptoms of head and neck cancer, diet and nutrition, reconstructive surgery, long-term side effects, and life after treatment. He also lists out which specialists to see in case of a diagnosis. Head on over to the video to hear it straight from the expert.