Mucous Membrane Cancer of the Oral Cavity, Throat, Larynx, Nose and Paranasal Sinuses

In 9 out of 10 cases of malignant tumors of the head and neck area, so-called squamous cell carcinomas arise from the mucous membrane. These typically manifest themselves in the oral cavity, throat or larynx, and more rarely in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Malignant means that, unlike benign tumors, the cancer can form offshoots (metastases) in the body.

Signs

The signs (symptoms) depend on the location of the tumor. Common signs and symptoms include red and white sores in the mouth, pain when chewing and swallowing, voice changes (e.g. hoarseness), unilateral sore throat, ear or face, swelling in the face, mouth or throat and unilateral nasal congestion or nosebleeds.

 

 

Causes and Distribution in the Ppopulation

Tobacco smoking is seen as the main cause. The risk of carcinoma is increased by consuming it together with alcohol. Infection with a human papillomavirus is now also considered a risk factor. For individual types of cancer, there are other possible causes, such as poor oral hygiene in the case of oral cancer or dust from certain types of wood in the case of cancer of the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

 

 

Examination and Treatment Options

If mucosal cancer of the oral cavity, throat and larynx is suspected, a tissue sample must be taken to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. In order to estimate the extent and to rule out further cancer lesions, the air and esophageal tracts must be examined under general anesthesia. The extent of the disease is also examined using imaging techniques such as computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET/CT). The treatment of head and neck cancer is intended to cure the disease permanently. The treatment is carried out by several specialist disciplines. Therefore, it should be done at a clinic that specializes in the treatment of mucous membrane cancer. In the case of less advanced tumors, surgery or radiation (radiotherapy) alone can lead to a cure. For more advanced mucosal cancer, combined therapy must be carried out, which includes extensive surgery, radiation (radiotherapy) and drug therapy (chemotherapy). If not treated, the tumor spreads, spreads throughout the body and sooner or later leads to death.

Care and Aftercare

Care, rehabilitation and aftercare are essential elements in the treatment of mucosal cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. On the one hand, the purpose of aftercare is to detect any recurrence of mucous membrane cancer at an early stage. On the other hand, therapy-related sequelae must also be identified and treated, such as swallowing or speaking disorders. As part of aftercare, we also offer help with quitting tobacco and alcohol and advise on physical, mental and social problems.

These checks are carried out by means of medical and imaging examinations in the polyclinic of the University Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery, polyclinic of the University Clinic for Cranial and Maxillofacial Surgery, or, in the case of radiation, also in the University Clinic for Radio -Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern.

Where can You turn?

If the signs and symptoms mentioned above persist for longer than 3 weeks, an examination should be carried out by your family doctor, an ear, nose and throat specialist or directly in the polyclinic of the University Hospital for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern,  taken place.