What Is a Neck Tumor?

A tumor is defined as a solid mass formed by a collection of abnormal cells. It can affect many areas of the body, such as organs, tissues or glands. Tumors are frightening for most people. However, not every tumor actually means cancer. There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. They are distinguished according to their behavior. Benign tumors are localized. They do not metastasize (spread) to different tissues or glands from the area where they formed. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, metastasize to nearby areas. For this reason, they are progressive and more serious tumors. Both tumor types require treatment. Because malignant tumors metastasize, it is difficult to completely eliminate them, and they carry a risk of recurrence after treatment.

A neck tumor is usually not considered on its own, but is grouped together as a head and neck tumor. It refers to tumors that generally occur in the throat, inside the mouth, larynx or sinuses. Tumors that start in the eye, brain, and the bones and muscles of the head and neck region, as well as the thyroid, are not included in this group. Although they start in different areas, they are considered as one group because their treatments are similar. The vast majority of them are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are the cells that make up the skin tissue. The head and neck region consists of an upper layer called the epithelium and, beneath it, the mucosa, which forms the moist tissue. The naming changes according to where the tumor formed. In general, neck cancers are as follows:

Oral cancer: Covers tumors that form on the lip, tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, and the floor and roof of the mouth.

Oropharyngeal cancer: The tissue in the middle part of the throat is called the oropharynx, and this category covers the group of tumors that form in this area. The most common type is tonsil cancer.

Hypopharyngeal cancer: Cancers that form in the lower part of the throat.

Nasopharyngeal cancer: Cancers that form in the upper part of your throat.

Laryngeal cancer: Also known as larynx cancer. The larynx is known as the voice box, which houses the vocal cords.

Salivary gland cancer: Tumors that form in the glands that produce saliva.

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: Tumors that form in the nasal cavity and in the cavities within the nasal bones.

Neck cancer is seen 3 times more often in men than in women. In addition to gender, age is also a risk factor for the development of neck cancer. Neck cancer is generally encountered after the age of 50. Tobacco products, alcohol consumption and HPV are other factors that increase the risk of cancer development. Head and neck cancers account for 3-4% of cancers seen worldwide.

What Are the Signs/Symptoms of a Neck Tumor?

A neck tumor may show no symptoms at all. When it does, the symptoms can often resemble those of illnesses such as the flu or the common cold. If symptoms such as a sore throat that does not go away for a long time, headache, or bloody saliva or phlegm are present, you should see a doctor for an examination.

Neck cancer does not have distinctive symptoms. Its signs can often be confused with simpler illness signs such as the common cold or a sore throat. It can be difficult to notice through symptoms. Neck tumor signs may include:

Sore throat that does not go away

Frequent headaches

Noticeable changes in voice tone or hoarseness

Pain while chewing and swallowing

Pain in the upper teeth

Numbness, tingling or pain in the face

Neck pain that does not go away

Difficulty breathing or speaking

Frequent nosebleeds

Bloody saliva or phlegm

Lump in the throat, mouth or neck

Frequent ear infections or ear pain

Persistent cough

Bad breath

Unexpected and rapid weight loss

Swelling of the face and neck

Sinus infection that does not resolve with antibiotic treatment

Patch or non-healing sore inside the mouth or on the gums

Having any of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. Therefore, if you have any suspicion of illness, it is beneficial to be examined by booking an appointment at the nearest hospital.

What Are the Causes of a Neck Tumor?

It is still not entirely possible to definitively determine why a tumor forms. However, there are certain criteria that increase the risk of development. These may depend on unchangeable factors such as genetics and age, or on environmental conditions. In general, the causes of neck tumors may be the following:

Use of tobacco products

Excessive alcohol consumption

HPV

EBV

Having a weak immune system

Exposure to carcinogenic substances at work (such as asbestos or insecticides)

Exposure to radiation

Unhealthy diet

Genes

Poor dental hygiene

Underlying genetic disorders

How Is a Neck Tumor Diagnosed?

As with all cancer types, early diagnosis is highly effective in cancer treatment. Head and neck tumors may show no symptoms, or their symptoms may be confused with other diseases. If there is a history of cancer in your family, or if you think you have other risk factors, it may be better for you to consult a doctor at the first sign of any symptom. When you consult a doctor, your complaints are first listened to, a physical examination is performed, and the doctor may ask you a number of questions. If your physician suspects cancer, they may request various tests from you to make a definitive diagnosis. These tests are:

Endoscopy: Performed to examine the suspected area. It is a thin tube with a light at its tip to help with imaging. Its name varies according to which area is examined. For example, examination of the nasal cavity is called nasal endoscopy, and examination of the larynx is called laryngoscopy.

Imaging tests: Include MRI, CT scans, X-rays and PET scans. Imaging methods attempt to determine the presence or location of the tumor using various techniques.

Laboratory tests: To check risk factors (presence of HPV or EBV), or for different reasons, your doctor may request a blood test from you.

Biopsy: A biopsy is a method in which the tumor is examined in a laboratory setting to diagnose whether cancer cells are present. Today, the only way to make a cancer diagnosis is through a biopsy.

Once a cancer diagnosis is made, treatment begins quickly. Your doctor creates a treatment plan, also taking into account your general health condition. In this process, how advanced the cancer is and your cancer stage are also important. Staging of cancer is done by taking into account information such as its location and which areas it has metastasized to. Your treatment plan may include:

Radiation therapy

Radiotherapy

Immunotherapy

Hormone therapy

Targeted therapy

It may include one or a combination of surgical treatment options.

Each method in cancer treatments has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before making a decision, you can share all the questions and concerns on your mind with your doctor. In your treatment plan, the most suitable treatment for you will be chosen by taking into account your tumor and your condition.

How Is Neck Tumor Surgery Performed?

The aim of neck tumor surgery is to remove the tumor using surgical methods. Surgical treatment can generally be applied together with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The tumor may be too large to remove with surgery at the outset. For this reason, the tumor is shrunk with the help of radiation and chemotherapy, and then completely removed with surgery. Neck tumor surgery can be performed using more than one method. Some of these methods are:

Open Surgery

The method that comes to mind first when surgery is mentioned is open surgery, also known as the more traditional approach. It is performed by making a large incision in the body to remove the tumor. It is the first surgical option. Because it involves a large incision, it may entail a longer recovery period and a higher risk of complications.

Minimally Invasive Treatment

It is also known as closed surgery. It emerged as a result of the effects of developing technology on the health field. Unlike open surgery, it is a treatment method in which small incisions are made instead of a large one. Afterwards, the tumor tissue is reached through these incisions using different methods. Compared to the open surgery option, it carries a lower risk of complications.

Laser Surgery

It is performed with an endoscopic instrument that has a high-intensity laser at its tip. For this reason, no incision is needed. The instrument is inserted down through the throat. Afterwards, the tumor tissue is cut or vaporized with the help of the laser. It is generally a reliable and fast-acting procedure. Laser surgery is performed under anesthesia and is an outpatient treatment option. For this reason, you do not need to stay in the hospital.

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

It is a type of minimally invasive treatment option. It is a combination of robotic surgical instruments and three-dimensional imaging. Tumors are accessed through the mouth; no incision is needed on the external area. It is effective in removing many head and neck cancers. The recovery process is faster compared to open surgery.

After head and neck surgeries, certain changes may occur in the patient's functions such as chewing, swallowing and speech, as well as in their appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Head and neck cancer treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or surgical treatment. A neck tumor may show no symptoms. When it does, symptoms can often resemble those of illnesses such as the flu or the common cold. If symptoms such as a sore throat that does not go away for a long time, headache, or bloody saliva or phlegm are present, you should see a doctor for an examination. Chemotherapy is among the treatment options for neck cancer. Your doctor will plan the most suitable treatment for you by taking your condition into consideration. Before a head and neck cancer diagnosis is made, your doctor may request various tests from you. When these tests strengthen suspicion, a biopsy is used to check whether the tumor is malignant or benign. If you suspect any tumor in the head and neck region, you can book an appointment through the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Diseases department of the hospital.