Academician Igor Reshetov, director of the Clinic for Oncology, Reconstructive Surgery and Radiology at Sechenov University, points out that oropharyngeal cancer is the most common head and neck cancer.
According to him, the increase in cases of oropharyngeal cancer is due to the widespread prevalence of human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus.
He said: “Head and neck tumors represent a group of diseases that are complex both anatomically and functionally, and require high surgical skills. Oropharyngeal cancer is currently the most common of these tumors, and this is associated with the spread of viral infections, particularly human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus. The former is associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancer, while the latter is associated with nasopharyngeal cancer.”
He explained that malignant tumors can affect the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nose, sinuses, eye socket, in addition to the salivary and thyroid glands, noting that the total number of these tumors is close to the number of breast cancer cases.
He added that head and neck tumor surgery requires a high level of responsibility, because the patient places in the surgeon’s hands, in addition to his life, his appearance, his ability to breathe, eat, speak and his senses, noting that these tumors can greatly affect the quality of life.
The academic stressed the importance of prevention, calling for the treatment of chronic tonsillitis, adenoids, and gingivitis in their early stages.
He said: "We need to constantly focus on primary and secondary prevention. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and quitting smoking and alcohol are very important. But the most important thing is not to neglect existing health problems, such as nasal polyps, gingivitis, and chronic tonsillitis, but to treat them until they are completely cured, so that they do not turn from simple problems into serious diseases."
He noted that doctors are increasingly talking about a new chemical risk factor, namely e-cigarettes, which are being promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
He warned: "There is no such thing as safe smoking. E-cigarettes, like tobacco smoking, can lead to laryngeal cancer. All that happens is that one type of carcinogen is replaced by another."
