Head tumors are a generic term for numerous tumor diseases that occur in the brain, head in general and neck. Many of these are malignant in nature and are therefore considered cancerous. Here you can find out more about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and find selected, experienced specialists for head tumors.
Medicine uses the collective term head and neck tumors for different types of cancer that occur in these parts of the body.
These include in the facial area:
Tumors of the head also occur in the eyes, as tumors of the skin(skin cancer) and in the brain.
This also includes the surrounding structures:
A head tumor is possible as a benign tumor and as a malignant tumor. Both variants are associated with symptoms. It is not possible to determine whether a tumor is cancerous by looking at it or by a simple X-ray or ultrasound examination.
A medical examination by the following specialists is therefore necessary:
There are also certified centers for head and neck tumors with interdisciplinary specialists.
The symptoms of a tumor in the head or the face and neck area are varied and depend on the region:
In the area of the larynx and throat, swallowing difficulties, a foreign body sensation or hoarseness and a scratchy throat are typical.
Laryngeal cancer is a malignant disease that develops in the mucous membrane of the larynx @ magicmine /AdobeStock
Symptoms of the oral cavity often manifest themselves in the form of poorly healing sores, bad breath or pain when speaking.
In the case of a tumor in the brain (intracranial tumor), the symptoms depend largely on the size and exact location of the brain tumor.
Known symptoms are
Epilepsy, signs of paralysis and speech disorders are also possible.
The symptoms mentioned are not a clear indication of cancer. They are also present in a large number of harmless diseases.
However, if they last longer than ten to fourteen days, it is advisable to consult a specialist. As with all malignant diseases, the earliest possible diagnosis is the best option for successful treatment.
A brain tumor can be a benign or malignant tumor in the brain @ Sebastian Kaulitzki /AdobeStock
There are no clear causes of the disease. However, there are various risk factors that favor a disease.
Smoking is the main risk factor for laryngeal cancer , especially in the long term and to a greater extent. In combination with frequent consumption of high-proof alcohol, the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and throat increases. Environmental pollutants, such as asbestos, are also a risk.
In the case of a primary tumor in the brain, medicine does not yet know of any specific triggering factors. As there is no trigger, doctors usually refer to it as a sporadic brain tumor.
Secondary brain tumors (formation of metastases), on the other hand, occur when cancer is already present in the body. This increases the risk of the tumor spreading. However, this does not always affect the brain, but is also conceivable in any other part of the body.
The aim of the diagnostic methods is to enable a benign or malignant finding to be made. Various examination options are available for this purpose.
Depending on the location of the suspicious area, the doctor takes a small tissue sample and has it examined in a laboratory.
The Department of Neuroradiology also uses imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography). The aim is to determine the spread of the head tumor and its exact location.
If a brain tumor is suspected, neurological examinations are also used. These are usually carried out by a specialist in neurology.
The doctor will check your muscle strength, reflexes and coordination. The visual field and the back of the eye may also be examined.
Occasionally, an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid is also necessary, in which altered cells can be detected
Images from an MRI scan of the head @ Руслан Галиуллин /AdobeStock
Your doctor will draw up a treatment plan based on your individual diagnosis . The aim of surgical treatment is to surgically remove the tumor.
There are special surgical methods depending on the type of head tumor:
The appropriate surgical procedure is based on your clinical picture. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually required following the operation.
Surgery for brain tumors is performed by doctors in the field of neurosurgery, as the central nervous system (CNS) is affected.
In neuro-oncology, the doctor often also treats the malignant head tumor with immunotherapeutic agents (immunotherapy). These reactivate your immune system and strengthen it for the fight against the tumor. Immune cells are enabled by various active substances to recognize the cancer cells present and attack them.
The course of a head tumor cannot be defined. It depends primarily on the exact nature of the disease. It also depends on the stage at which treatment begins.
The earlier the measures against the tumor begin, the more effective the respective therapeutic methods will be. In the case of cancer, the type of cancer is decisive for the success of the treatment.
Careful aftercare and rehabilitative treatment are helpful for a good prognosis. It is important to recognize and treat possible recurrences at an early stage.
You should maintain a healthy lifestyle and attend follow-up appointments.
Head tumors are a complex disease process with both benign and malignant manifestations. They cover the entire area of the brain, head and neck as well as the associated structures.
The earlier doctors detect the tumor, the better the treatment options. Specialists in ear, nose and throat medicine, neurology and neurosurgery provide the best possible expertise for your treatment.
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