Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Head and neck cancer screening and evaluation in Pune
Head and neck cancers are more treatable when they are found early. A careful ENT examination can check symptoms that do not go away.
About head and neck cancers
Head and neck cancers can start in the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose and sinuses, or salivary glands, and can spread to lymph nodes in the neck.
Tobacco in any form, including chewing tobacco, gutkha and smoking, is a major risk factor, especially when combined with alcohol. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to some throat cancers.
Symptoms that should be checked
See a doctor if any of these last longer than three weeks:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Hoarseness or a change in your voice
- A lump in the neck
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Ear pain on one side without an ear problem
- Blood in saliva, or one-sided nasal blockage or bleeding
Most of these symptoms turn out to have less serious causes, but they should still be examined.
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist if any of the symptoms above last more than three weeks, particularly if you use tobacco or drink alcohol regularly. People with long-term tobacco use may also benefit from periodic check-ups even without symptoms.
How it is evaluated at the clinic
Evaluation includes a careful examination of the mouth, throat and neck, and an endoscopic examination of the nose, throat and voice box (nasopharyngolaryngoscopy).
If an area needs further investigation, Dr. Halikar may arrange a biopsy, fine needle aspiration of a neck lump, or scans such as ultrasound, CT or MRI.
Treatment options
If cancer is found, treatment depends on where it is and how far it has spread. It may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often planned by a multidisciplinary team. Dr. Halikar will explain the findings and discuss the next steps, including referral to a cancer centre when appropriate.
Stopping tobacco and limiting alcohol are the most important steps to reduce risk.
What happens after an evaluation
Many people are reassured after examination. When a biopsy or scan is needed, the results are reviewed with you at a follow-up visit, and treatment or monitoring is planned from there.
Frequently asked questions
What does a head and neck check involve?
A discussion of your symptoms and risk factors, a careful look in the mouth and throat, feeling the neck for lumps, and usually an endoscopic examination of the nose, throat and voice box.
Is the endoscopic examination painful?
It is usually done after a numbing spray and is generally well tolerated. It takes a few minutes.
I chew tobacco but have no symptoms. Should I get checked?
A check-up can look for early changes such as white or red patches in the mouth. Stopping tobacco is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Head and neck surgery, including parotid, submandibular gland and thyroid surgery
- Diagnostic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, bronchoscopy with biopsy, and fine needle aspiration
- Tracheostomy and management of difficult airways
- Postgraduate training at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.