Head and Neck Cancer Archives

Head and Neck Cancer Andrew Hunter – I still have a voice

March 20, 2020 Word for Word Media

Andrew Hunter tells us about life after a laryngectomy: how he learnt to communicate with a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis and recently via oesophageal speech. Andrew Hunter (59) lives in Soweto, Gauteng. He is divorced and has two adult children. Diagnosis In 2012, Andrew who had been smoking for over 20 years and drank occasionally on weekends, started to develop flu-like symptoms. His voice became croaky and deterioratedand his throat was dry and painful. He went to see a doctor who referred him to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. After numerous tests, including a biopsy, Andrew was diagnosed with cancer of the…

Head and Neck Cancer The role of the speech therapist in head and neck cancer

March 20, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Azra Hoosen educates us on how a speech therapist supports and empowers head and neck cancer patients with speech, voice, communication and swallowing difficulties. Many patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer may present with speech, communication, voice or swallowing difficulties which hugely impact activities of daily living and quality of life. A speech therapist is a health professional that is involved in the screening, assessment and ongoing management of individuals with the abovementioned difficulties. Assessment, treatment and beyond The speech therapist will assist with the following areas of assessment: Providing education and counselling regarding anticipated changes in communication and swallowing. Providing counselling prior to surgical procedures….

Head and Neck Cancer The laryngectomy surgical procedure

March 20, 2020 Word for Word Media

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Dr Chris Joseph, an ear, nose and throat surgeon, outlines what a laryngectomy surgical procedure entails, when it is needed and the effects of it. A total laryngectomy is the complete removal of the larynx. When a portion of the larynx is removed, it’s called a partial laryngectomy. The function of the larynx The larynx functions as a valve to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and lungs during swallowing. It’s also necessary for normal voice and speech as it houses the voice box. Its cartilaginous framework or “Adams Apple” can be seen and felt in the neck. When and why…

Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers

November 27, 2019 Word for Word Media

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Dr Mariza Tunmer informs us about the common side effects experienced by patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. One of the treatment modalities that may be used to treat head and neck cancers is radiotherapy. For patients requiring a long course of radiotherapy, usually over six to seven weeks, often chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy. The chemotherapy may be given once a week or every three weeks, depending on the chosen dosing-schedule. Radiotherapy and the combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy may result in significant side effects and it’s important to know what to expect before starting treatment. Early or acute…

Head and Neck Cancer Laryngeal cancer

December 3, 2018 Word for Word Media

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Dr Johann Kluge educates us on laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that affects your larynx (voice box). The larynx contains cartilage and muscles that enable you to talk and prevents food from entering the lungs. This type of cancer can damage your voice. The most common type of larynx cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and entails 85-95% of all malignant lesions. The larynx is divided in three parts (see below): Larynx Anatomical Description Incidence Supraglottis Above the vocal cords 35% Glottis The level of the vocal cords 60% Subglottis Below the vocal cords…

Head and Neck Cancer Salivary gland tumours

July 27, 2018 Word for Word Media

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We learn about the different types of salivary gland tumours, both benign and malignant. Salivary gland tumours are rare cancers in the head and neck region. They can develop in any of the different sub-regions of the head and neck, with the most frequent (80-85%) encountered in the parotid. The parotids are the largest of the salivary glands, located just in front and below the ears. Parotid gland tumours are often benign (non-cancerous) (75%). Tumours arising from the submandibular gland, sublingual gland, or the minor salivary glands are usually more likely to be malignant (cancerous). The most common…

Head and Neck Cancer Mouth cancer

June 1, 2018 Word for Word Media

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Dr Johann Kluge explains the causes, symptoms and treatment of mouth cancer. Mouth (oral cavity) cancer is a subdivision in the head and neck region. The mouth is confined by the anatomical borders that stretch from the lips (anteriorly) to include the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, hard palate and gums (or gingiva). What is the incidence of mouth cancer? It’s the 11th most common malignancy. More than 90% of cancerous growths in the mouth are squamous cell carcinomas, with the remainder being rarer tumours or tumours developing from the small salivary glands. Current oral cancer statistics (US data): Overall…

Head and Neck Cancer Free oral, head and neck cancer screenings

March 26, 2018 Laurelle Williams

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Considering the 20th annual Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW), held during 8-15 April, Life Groenkloof Hospital Medical Centre: Suite 110 Groenkloof 0181 will be offering free cancer screenings from 8:00 to 18:00 on 11 April 2018. In 2018, it is estimated that there will be more than 120,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer diagnosed, and unfortunately, many individuals will not be aware of the cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancers now ranked in the top six cancers worldwide. The US Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA), along…

Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck cancers – why are they more common and deadlier than you realise?

September 28, 2017 Word for Word Media

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Many specialists and cancer advocates are sounding the alarm over a rise in head and neck cancers, such as cancers of the throat or oropharynx, transmitted by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that is possibly linked to oral sexual habits. Are you at risk? Lack of awareness These symptoms (in red block below) are some of the early warning signs of head and neck cancers, including cancers of the mouth, lips, throat, larynx (voice box), nose, and salivary glands. Professor Jos Hille, an oral, head and neck pathologist at the National Health Laboratory Service (Tygerberg) and honorary secretary of the…

Head and Neck Cancer CanSurvive Rivonia Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

December 11, 2015 Laurelle Williams

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The vision of the support group was started by Angelo Haggiyannes, a man who suffered from head and neck cancer and who was passionate about giving the patient a voice. He wanted to offer a safe place to anyone affected by head and neck cancer. A place to share stories or simply speak to someone who may understand what one’s day has been like. Sadly, Angelo passed away in September 2013. In his honour, our Head & Neck Support Group was formed. The first meeting was in November 2013. The informal and supportive meetings are held from 18h00 to 20h00…