Cancer that starts in the head and neck regions is called the Head and Neck Cancer and it usually begins in the squamous cells. These cancers are also called squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Head and neck cancer start in the –
- Oral cavity
- Throat
- Larynx
- Salivary glands
- Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity
The causes of Head and Neck cancers are such as –
- Alcohol and tobacco use are the top two risk factors for head and neck cancer and they mostly cause cancer of the mouth and larynx.
- Infection with human papillomavirus – increases the chances of getting oropharyngeal cancer in the tonsils or the base of the tongue.
- Betel Quid (Paan) – very common in Southeast Asia and has a higher risk of getting mouth cancer.
- Exposure to asbestos or formaldehyde increases the risk of getting paranasal sinus cancer.
- Radiations can increase the chance of getting salivary glands.
- Infection with Epstein Barr virus – increases the risk of nasopharyngeal and salivary gland cancer.
- Generic disorders – such as Fanconi anemia can increase the formation of precancerous lesions.
Symptoms of the Head and Neck Cancer are such as –
- Oral cavity – swelling in the jaw, unusual bleeding, white or red patches in the gums, and pain.
- Throat – pain in the ears, painful swallowing, persistent throat pain.
- Larynx – breathing issues and ear pain.
- Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity – blocked sinuses, pain in the teeth, nosebleeds, swelling of the eyes, regular headaches.
- Salivary glands – swelling of jawbones, numbness of facial muscles, pain of chin and neck.
These head and neck cancers (HNC) are more common in men than they are in women and they are mostly diagnosed over the age of 50.
The treatment of HNC includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They are given in combinations and depending on the location of tumors, stage of cancer, age, and health of the patient.
The most common medications given for the treatment of HNC are –
- Erbitux 100mg – also known by the generic name Cetuximab and is also useful for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Erbitux is the monoclonal antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor and it blocks cell division. Additionally, Erbitux causes cell apoptosis. Some of the side effects of Erbitux are such as –
- Hair loss
- Chapped lips
- Weakness
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Numbness of the arms and legs
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn
- Bone pain
- Injection site reaction
Some of the precautions to remember when injecting Erbitux are such as –
- Erbitux can cause an allergic reaction in some patients hence it is advisable to gather complete information about the injection before starting the use.
- It is advisable to avoid pregnancy for at least two months after the last dose of Erbitux.
- Avoid the overexposure to sun when injecting Erbitux.
- Inform the doctor about prescription medicines, vitamins, and minerals you take and also inform about health issues such as heart diseases.
The price of Erbitux injection is high therefore it is advisable to buy it online from Magicine Pharma at a low rate,
- Nivolumab 100mg is also known by the brand name Opdivo. It is also used for the treatment of skin cancer, and liver cancer. It is also useful for the treatment of advanced-stage lung cancer. Side effects of Nivolumab are such as –
- Skin rash
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Anemia
Some of the precautions to remember when taking Nivolumab are such as –
- It is advisable to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding for at least five months after the last dose of Nivolumab.
- Inform the doctor if you have had any autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis since Nivolumab can worsen the conditions.
Nivolumab Injection price is high therefore it is advisable to purchase it from Magicine Pharma at an affordable price.
