Head and neck cancer
Neck
Cancer :
Head
and Neck Cancer is the correct name for what is commonly referred to as
"throat cancer". It
refers to a variety of malignant tumors that occur in the head and neck
region, excluding brain
tumors. Tumors in the head and neck region often metastasize in the lymph
nodes of the throat.
Since the lymph nodes drain downward, that is the path most commonly
followed when these
cancers spread to other parts of the body. In addition tumors from other
parts of the body can
spread to the head and neck region as well. The lining of much of the
mouth, nose and throat is
made up of a type of cell known as squamous cell. Squamous cell carcinoma
(SCC) is the most
common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. While tumors
in the head and neck
area are often associated with heavy smoking and/or heavy consumption of
alcohol, it also occurs
in people who have never smoked or with only light alcohol consumption.
Treatment for SCC
usually involves a combination of surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy is occasionally
used as well.
The term
head and neck cancers refers to a group of cancers found in the head and
neck region.
This includes tumors found in: The
oral cavity (mouth). The lips, the tongue, the teeth, the gums, the lining
inside the lips and
cheeks, the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), the roof of the mouth
and the small area
behind the wisdom teeth are all included in the oral cavity.
The oropharynx (which includes the back one-third of the tongue, the back
of the throat and the
tonsils).
Nasopharynx (which includes the area behind the nose).
Hypopharynx (lower part of the throat).
The larynx (voice box, located in front of the neck, in the region of the
Adam's apple). In the
larynx, the cancer can occur in any of the three regions: the glottis
(where the vocal cords are);
the supraglottis (the area above the glottis), and the subglottis (the
area that connects the
glottis to the windpipe).
What is “Cancer”
Insurance?
Cancer insurance provides benefits only if you get cancer.
If yes, then Cancer policies sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer
insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy.
Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy.
It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified
disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies.
Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all
expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy.
Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for
comprehensive coverage. |
