Overview
Head and neck cancers cover a wide group — oral cavity, tongue, larynx, pharynx and salivary glands. Tobacco and alcohol are the leading causes in India; HPV also plays a role in oropharyngeal cancers.
Treatment usually combines surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Ravi Jaiswal coordinates the medical oncology component — concurrent chemoradiation, induction chemotherapy or targeted therapy with cetuximab.
Symptoms to watch for
- Non-healing ulcer or lump in the mouth
- Persistent hoarseness or voice change
- Difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Persistent ear pain without infection
How we treat it
- Concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin
- Induction chemotherapy (TPF regimen)
- Targeted therapy with cetuximab
- Immunotherapy for recurrent/metastatic disease
- Multi-disciplinary tumour board planning
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to eat and speak after treatment?+
With modern organ-preservation approaches, most patients retain speech and swallowing function. Early rehab support helps a great deal.
Do I need to stop tobacco?+
Absolutely — continuing tobacco during treatment reduces cure rates and increases side effects. We support you through quitting.
This page is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Please speak to a qualified doctor for advice specific to your condition.