Nearly 100,000 Americans will develop oral, head and neck cancer this year, a number that has grown steadily over the last 10 years.
Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, ear pain, a sore in the mouth or throat, voice changes or a lump in the neck.
On Tuesday, April 4, Methodist Hospital will offer free head and neck cancer screenings at the Estabrook Cancer Center near 83rd and Dodge.
“Three of the six cancers in Americans that are increasing occur in the head and neck, skin cancer, thyroid cancer and HPV-associated tonsil and basal tongue cancer,” says Dr. William Lydiatt, surgical oncologist at the Head and Neck Oncology Clinic at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
He says each of those cancers are increasing at a rate of 4-5 percent per year and as a result, they are see more patients in their clinic.
During the screenings, doctors will be looking for white or red lesions in the mouth, looking at and feeling the neck for lumps, both in the neck itself and the salivary and thyroid glands. They will also be looking at the back of the throat for asymmetry of the tonsils.
“Because they occur in the head and neck area, these cancers can impact speech, swallowing, breathing, taste, chewing, the process of speaking, changes in voice tone or tenor and it can also affect physical appearance depending on where the cancer is located,” Dr. Lydiatt says.
In addition to the head and neck physical exam, the screenings will include a review of the patient’s medical and family history. The screenings will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. and registration is required. To make an appointment call 402-354-5850.