Head and neck cancers are among the most overlooked cancers in India. Many early warning symptoms look similar to common ENT problems, which is why patients often delay visiting a specialist. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed only after they become advanced and aggressive.
However—if detected early, head and neck cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. Early diagnosis not only helps in cancer removal but also protects speech, swallowing, breathing and overall quality of life.
Let’s understand why early detection matters and how surgery plays an important role.
What is Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the:
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mouth
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tongue
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tonsil
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throat
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thyroid
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voice box
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salivary glands
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nasal cavity
Most cases in India are related to:
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tobacco chewing
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cigarette smoking
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alcohol use
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HPV infection
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long-term irritation inside mouth
Early warning signs you should never ignore
✔ persistent mouth ulcer
✔ difficulty swallowing
✔ white or red patches inside mouth
✔ lump in the neck
✔ voice change lasting more than 2 weeks
✔ pain while swallowing
✔ unexplained bleeding in mouth
✔ chronic sore throat
If you experience any of these, especially along with tobacco use, you must consult a specialist immediately.
How early detection changes treatment outcome
1️⃣ Surgery becomes simpler & less invasive
Early tumours are smaller, easier to remove and require less aggressive surgery.
2️⃣ Prevents spread to lymph nodes
When detected at an early stage, cancer usually stays limited to its original site and doesn’t spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs.
3️⃣ Preserves voice, swallowing & facial functions
Advanced cancers often need major reconstructive surgery.
But early surgery usually preserves:
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voice
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speech
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swallowing ability
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facial symmetry
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appearance
4️⃣ Avoids chemotherapy and radiation in many cases
Yes! Not all head & neck cancers need chemotherapy.
Many early tumours can be treated with surgery alone.
5️⃣ Improves long-term survival rate by 50–70%
Research shows early-stage patients have significantly higher survival rates compared to late-stage diagnosis.
Advanced Surgical Expertise Matters
Head and neck surgery requires experienced ENT and oncologic skills.
Dr. Diptiman has performed complex:
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Oral cancer surgery
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Parotid tumour surgery
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Thyroid cancer surgery
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Tongue surgery
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Neck dissection
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Free-flap reconstruction
with a strong track record in Cuttack and Eastern India.
Who should get screened regularly?
✔ tobacco chewers
✔ smokers
✔ alcohol users
✔ chronic throat issues
✔ family history
✔ HPV infection
✔ non-healing mouth ulcer
If you fall in any of these groups, periodic ENT examination is strongly advised.
When to visit the doctor
If any throat, voice or oral symptom lasts longer than:
➡ 2 weeks
you MUST take medical consultation—especially if you chew tobacco.
Consultation Details
📍 JCEM DIAGNOSTICS
Tarini Lane,
Near Secondary Board High School,
Bajrakabati Rd, Cuttack, Odisha 753001
📞 94384 36775
Takeaway
Early detection of head and neck cancer not only improves survival—it preserves speech, breathing, swallowing, facial appearance and quality of life.
Do not wait for symptoms to become painful.
If something feels unusual—get it checked now.
