World Head and Neck Cancer Day 2026: Signs, Risk Factors, and Why Early Diagnosis Changes Everything

A hoarse voice that does not go away. A mouth ulcer that keeps troubling you. A small lump in the neck that you notice one day and then learn to ignore. Many people live with these symptoms for weeks, assuming they are due to a throat infection, dental issue, stress, or something minor. Often, they reach a doctor only when the discomfort starts affecting everyday life.

The problem is that head and neck cancers can begin in exactly this quiet way. They may not always cause severe pain in the early stages, and their signs can feel easy to explain away. But early diagnosis can change the course of treatment. When detected sooner, these cancers are often more treatable, and doctors may have better options to help protect speech, swallowing, appearance, and overall quality of life.

World Head and Neck Cancer Day, observed on 27 July, is a reminder to listen to the symptoms your body is trying to show. A persistent change in voice, a non-healing mouth sore, difficulty swallowing, throat discomfort, or a neck lump should not be ignored. Getting checked early does not mean assuming the worst; it means giving yourself the best chance at timely care, clarity, and better outcomes.

What are Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers are cancers that develop in the structures of the head and neck region. These may include cancers of the mouth, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, throat, tonsils, voice box, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, and nearby tissues. In clinical practice, thyroid cancer may also be evaluated and treated by head and neck specialists, although it is often discussed as a separate cancer type.

Most head and neck cancers begin in the thin, moist lining of the mouth, nose, throat, and voice box. These linings are made up of squamous cells, which is why the most common type is called head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Less commonly, cancers may begin in glandular tissues, such as the salivary glands, or arise from other specialised cells.

Each type of head and neck cancer behaves differently. A cancer in the tongue may not present, spread, or respond to treatment in the same way as cancer of the voice box, tonsil, sinus, or salivary gland. This is why doctors assess the exact site, stage, tumour type, risk factors, and the patient’s overall health before planning treatment.

In India, head and neck cancers are seen more commonly in the oral cavity and throat region. This pattern is strongly linked to tobacco use, including both smoking and smokeless forms such as gutkha, khaini, and other chewing tobacco products. 

Warning Signs of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers do not always begin with severe pain or dramatic symptoms. In many people, the first signs are easy to mistake for a common throat infection, mouth ulcer, dental issue, acidity, or voice strain. That is why persistence matters. If any of the following symptoms lasts for more than two to three weeks without a clear reason, it is important to get evaluated by an ENT or head and neck cancer specialist.

A mouth sore or ulcer that does not heal

Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within a few days. But an ulcer that stays beyond two to three weeks, keeps recurring in the same area, has irregular edges, bleeds easily, or appears with a red or white patch should not be ignored. In India, where tobacco, gutkha, khaini, areca nut, and pan masala use are common, such changes are sometimes dismissed as irritation. This delay can allow an early oral cancer or precancerous lesion to progress before it is properly examined.

Hoarseness or change in voice

A voice change after a cold, excessive talking, or throat irritation is common. But hoarseness that continues for more than two weeks, especially without fever or a respiratory infection, needs medical attention. Persistent voice change can be an early sign of cancer involving the voice box, particularly when it is associated with throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty, or a neck lump. A careful clinical examination of the mouth, throat, larynx, and neck is often the first and most important step before deciding on scans or further tests.

A lump in the neck

A painless lump in the neck can be easy to overlook, especially when it does not interfere with daily life. However, a neck lump in an adult that persists for more than three weeks should always be checked. In some cases, it may be an enlarged lymph node caused by infection. In others, it may be the first visible sign of a head and neck cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes. This is why specialists take persistent neck swellings seriously, even when there are no obvious mouth or throat symptoms.

Difficulty swallowing

Trouble swallowing that gradually worsens should not be ignored. It may begin with difficulty swallowing solid foods and later progress to discomfort with softer foods or liquids. This can occur in cancers of the throat, tonsil region, lower throat, or upper food pipe area. When swallowing difficulty is accompanied by pain, weight loss, a persistent sore throat, or ear pain on the same side, it needs prompt endoscopic evaluation.

Blood in saliva or sputum

Blood-stained saliva or sputum can have several causes, including gum disease, throat infection, or respiratory conditions. However, when it occurs without a clear explanation, recurs, or appears in someone with a history of tobacco or alcohol use, it should not be dismissed. A specialist examination of the oral cavity, throat, and voice box helps identify whether the bleeding is coming from a local lesion that needs further investigation.

Persistent ear pain without an ear problem

Not all ear pain starts in the ear. Cancers in the throat, tonsil, base of tongue, or lower throat can sometimes cause referred pain that is felt in the ear. If ear pain continues despite a normal ear examination, or if it appears along with throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, voice change, or a neck lump, the throat should be examined carefully.

Tobacco, Alcohol and HPV: The Risk Factors People Should Know

Most head and neck cancers are linked to risk factors that affect the lining of the mouth, throat, and voice box over many years. The two most important and preventable risks are tobacco and alcohol. What many people do not realise is that when both are used together, the risk does not simply double. It can rise several times over.

Tobacco and Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination

Tobacco exposes the mouth, throat, and voice box to cancer-causing chemicals. Alcohol can further irritate these tissues and may make it easier for tobacco-related carcinogens to enter the cells. This is why a person who both smokes and drinks heavily has a much higher risk of developing head and neck cancer than someone exposed to either risk factor alone.

In India, tobacco remains one of the biggest drivers of oral and head and neck cancers. This includes both smoked forms, such as cigarettes and bidis, and smokeless forms, such as gutkha, khaini, zarda, pan masala, areca nut, and betel quid. Smokeless tobacco is especially harmful because it is often held inside the cheek, under the tongue, or against the gums for long periods, allowing carcinogens to stay in direct contact with the oral lining.

Over time, this repeated exposure can cause changes in the mouth such as white patches, red patches, thickening, ulcers, or stiffness of the oral tissues. Some of these may be precancerous changes, which means they need timely examination rather than being dismissed as routine tobacco irritation.

The HPV Link

Tobacco and alcohol are not the only risk factors. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is now recognised as an important cause of oropharyngeal cancers, especially cancers involving the tonsils and base of the tongue.

HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is more commonly discussed in Western countries, where it has become a major driver of throat cancer in younger, non-smoking adults. In India too, HPV-related head and neck cancer is increasingly being recognised, including in patients who do not have a history of tobacco use.

HPV status is clinically important because HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers often behave differently from HPV-negative cancers. They may respond better to treatment and are associated with a more favourable prognosis in many patients. This is why HPV or p16 testing is an important part of the diagnostic workup for newly diagnosed oropharyngeal cancer and helps doctors plan treatment more precisely.

At RGCIRC, evaluation for head and neck cancer is guided by the tumour site, stage, pathology, risk factors, and molecular markers where relevant. For patients with suspected or confirmed oropharyngeal cancer, HPV testing helps the treating team understand the biology of the disease and decide the most appropriate treatment approach.

How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing head and neck cancer is a step-by-step process. The goal is not only to confirm whether cancer is present, but also to identify its exact location, type, stage, and spread. This helps doctors plan the most suitable treatment for each patient.

1. Clinical Examination

The process usually begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination. The specialist asks about symptoms such as mouth ulcers, voice change, swallowing difficulty, throat discomfort, ear pain, or a neck lump. They also review risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV-related risks.

The doctor then examines the mouth, throat, neck, nose, and voice box. This may include visual inspection, palpation of the neck for lumps, and examination using mirrors or flexible endoscopes.

2. Endoscopic Evaluation

Flexible endoscopy allows the doctor to look closely at areas that cannot be seen clearly during a routine mouth or throat examination. This may include the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.

Tests such as nasopharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy help identify suspicious growths, ulcers, swelling, or changes in the lining of the throat and voice box.

3. Biopsy or FNAC

A diagnosis of cancer can only be confirmed by examining cells or tissue under a microscope. Depending on the symptom and site involved, the doctor may recommend:

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from a suspicious mouth, throat, or voice box lesion.
• FNAC: Fine needle aspiration cytology may be done for a neck lump to examine cells from an enlarged lymph node.
• Trucut biopsy: A core needle biopsy may be advised when a larger tissue sample is needed for detailed testing.

These tests help confirm whether cancer is present and identify the tumour type.

4. Imaging Tests

Once cancer is suspected or confirmed, imaging tests help assess the size, location, and spread of the disease. These may include:

• CT scan: Helps evaluate the tumour, lymph nodes, and nearby structures.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues in the head and neck region.
• Chest imaging: May be advised to check for spread beyond the head and neck area.
• PET-CT: Used in selected cases, especially locally advanced, recurrent, or complex cancers, to assess active disease more comprehensively.

5. HPV and Molecular Testing

For cancers of the oropharynx, especially those involving the tonsils or base of tongue, HPV or p16 testing may be recommended. HPV-positive cancers can behave differently from HPV-negative cancers and may respond differently to treatment.

In selected cases, molecular profiling may also be done to understand the tumour better and assess whether targeted or personalised treatment options may be suitable.

Diagnosis at RGCIRC

At RGCIRC, head and neck cancer diagnosis follows a structured approach that combines specialist examination, endoscopy, biopsy or FNAC, advanced imaging, HPV testing where relevant, and molecular evaluation when clinically indicated. This helps the team confirm the diagnosis accurately, stage the disease, and plan treatment based on the patient’s cancer type, location, stage, and overall health.

How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing head and neck cancer is a step-by-step process. The goal is not only to confirm whether cancer is present, but also to identify its exact location, type, stage, and spread. This helps doctors plan the most suitable treatment for each patient.

1. Clinical Examination

The process usually begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination. The specialist asks about symptoms such as mouth ulcers, voice change, swallowing difficulty, throat discomfort, ear pain, or a neck lump. They also review risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV-related risks.

The doctor then examines the mouth, throat, neck, nose, and voice box. This may include visual inspection, palpation of the neck for lumps, and examination using mirrors or flexible endoscopes.

2. Endoscopic Evaluation

Flexible endoscopy allows the doctor to look closely at areas that cannot be seen clearly during a routine mouth or throat examination. This may include the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.

Tests such as nasopharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy help identify suspicious growths, ulcers, swelling, or changes in the lining of the throat and voice box.

3. Biopsy or FNAC

A diagnosis of cancer can only be confirmed by examining cells or tissue under a microscope. Depending on the symptom and site involved, the doctor may recommend:

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from a suspicious mouth, throat, or voice box lesion.
• FNAC: Fine needle aspiration cytology may be done for a neck lump to examine cells from an enlarged lymph node.
• Trucut biopsy: A core needle biopsy may be advised when a larger tissue sample is needed for detailed testing.

These tests help confirm whether cancer is present and identify the tumour type.

4. Imaging Tests

Once cancer is suspected or confirmed, imaging tests help assess the size, location, and spread of the disease. These may include:

• CT scan: Helps evaluate the tumour, lymph nodes, and nearby structures.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues in the head and neck region.
• Chest imaging: May be advised to check for spread beyond the head and neck area.
• PET-CT: Used in selected cases, especially locally advanced, recurrent, or complex cancers, to assess active disease more comprehensively.

5. HPV and Molecular Testing

For cancers of the oropharynx, especially those involving the tonsils or base of tongue, HPV or p16 testing may be recommended. HPV-positive cancers can behave differently from HPV-negative cancers and may respond differently to treatment.

In selected cases, molecular profiling may also be done to understand the tumour better and assess whether targeted or personalised treatment options may be suitable.

Diagnosis at RGCIRC

At RGCIRC, head and neck cancer diagnosis follows a structured approach that combines specialist examination, endoscopy, biopsy or FNAC, advanced imaging, HPV testing where relevant, and molecular evaluation when clinically indicated. This helps the team confirm the diagnosis accurately, stage the disease, and plan treatment based on the patient’s cancer type, location, stage, and overall health.

How is Head and Neck Cancer Treated?

Treatment for head and neck cancer is planned carefully for each patient. The right approach depends on where the cancer started, the tumour type, stage, HPV status, whether lymph nodes are involved, and the patient’s overall health, nutrition, speech, swallowing, and functional status.

In most cases, treatment is not decided by one doctor alone. A multidisciplinary team, including head and neck surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, reconstructive surgeons, speech and swallowing therapists, dietitians, and rehabilitation specialists, works together to create a personalised treatment plan.

Surgery

Surgery is commonly used for early and localised head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the oral cavity. The aim is to remove the tumour completely while preserving as much normal function and appearance as possible.

For smaller tumours, surgery may involve limited removal of the affected tissue. For advanced cancers, more extensive surgery may be needed to remove the tumour along with involved lymph nodes in the neck. In selected cases, this may include complex procedures such as composite resection, mandibulectomy, neck dissection, or total laryngectomy.

A total laryngectomy, which involves removal of the voice box, may be required for advanced laryngeal cancer. In such cases, voice rehabilitation and swallowing support become an important part of recovery, helping patients adapt and regain communication as far as possible.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

For selected tumours of the throat, tonsil region, base of tongue, and voice box, minimally invasive techniques may be considered. These include transoral robotic surgery and transoral laser microsurgery, where the tumour is removed through the mouth without large external cuts.

These approaches may help reduce surgical trauma, shorten recovery time, and support better functional outcomes in carefully selected patients. However, not every patient is suitable for robotic or laser surgery. The decision depends on the tumour’s location, size, spread, access, and expected functional outcome.

Reconstructive Surgery

When a large tumour is removed from the mouth, jaw, throat, or face, reconstruction may be needed to restore structure, appearance, speech, swallowing, and chewing function.

Reconstructive surgery may involve using tissue from another part of the body, sometimes with its own blood supply, to rebuild the affected area. This is known as microvascular free flap reconstruction. In head and neck cancer care, reconstruction is not only cosmetic. It plays a major role in helping patients eat, speak, swallow, and return to daily life.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is an important part of head and neck cancer treatment. It may be used as the main treatment in some cancers, especially when the goal is to preserve organs such as the voice box. It may also be given after surgery when there is a higher risk of recurrence, or along with chemotherapy for locally advanced disease.

Modern techniques such as IMRT and IGRT help deliver radiation more precisely to the tumour and affected lymph node areas while reducing exposure to nearby healthy structures such as the salivary glands, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues. This precision is especially important in head and neck cancer because treatment can affect speech, swallowing, taste, saliva production, and quality of life.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used along with radiation in locally advanced head and neck cancers, especially when surgery is not the first option or when the aim is to improve the effect of radiation. Platinum-based chemotherapy is commonly used in this setting.

Chemotherapy may also be used in recurrent or metastatic disease, depending on the patient’s condition, previous treatment, tumour biology, and overall treatment goals.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Treatment

Immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for selected patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Drugs such as pembrolizumab may be recommended based on factors such as PD-L1 expression, disease extent, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall health.

This is why biomarker testing, including PD-L1 testing where relevant, plays an important role in treatment planning. In selected cases, molecular profiling may also help doctors understand the tumour better and identify whether personalised or targeted treatment options may be suitable.

Rehabilitation and Supportive Care

Head and neck cancer treatment can affect some of the most essential functions of daily life, including speaking, swallowing, chewing, breathing, taste, saliva production, and appearance. For this reason, treatment does not end with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Speech therapy, swallowing rehabilitation, nutritional support, dental care, pain management, wound care, tracheostomy care when needed, and psychological support are all important parts of recovery. Early rehabilitation helps patients regain function, adjust to treatment-related changes, and improve quality of life.

Head and Neck cancer Treatment at RGCIRC

At RGCIRC, treatment for head and neck cancer is planned through a multidisciplinary approach. The Head and Neck Oncology Unit manages a wide range of cases, from early oral cavity cancers to advanced tumours requiring complex surgery, reconstruction, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and rehabilitation.

The team offers advanced surgical and reconstructive expertise, including complex oral cancer surgery, neck dissection, total laryngectomy, transoral robotic surgery, transoral laser procedures, and microvascular reconstruction where indicated. Radiation treatment is supported by techniques such as IMRT and IGRT, while medical oncology care includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biomarker-guided treatment planning for eligible patients.

This integrated approach helps ensure that treatment focuses not only on cancer control, but also on speech, swallowing, appearance, nutrition, recovery, and long-term quality of life.

Why Choose RGCIRC for Head and Neck Cancer Care?

Choosing the right centre for head and neck cancer matters because treatment often affects speech, swallowing, chewing, breathing, appearance, and long-term quality of life. At RGCIRC, care is planned by specialists who manage head and neck cancers regularly and understand both the cancer-control and functional sides of treatment.

Specialist Head and Neck Oncology Expertise

RGCIRC has a dedicated Head and Neck Oncology team that manages cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid, salivary glands, sinuses, skull base, and related neck structures. The team includes experienced head and neck surgical oncologists with expertise in complex oral cancer surgery, laryngectomy, thyroid surgery, skull base surgery, robotic surgery, laser procedures, and post-laryngectomy rehabilitation.

The unit brings together high surgical volume and focused disease-site expertise, which is especially important in head and neck cancer, where surgical precision directly affects function, recovery, and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning

Every head and neck cancer patient requires a treatment plan that is tailored to the tumour site, stage, pathology, HPV status where relevant, age, general health, and expected functional outcome. At RGCIRC, cases are discussed through a multidisciplinary approach involving head and neck surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, onco-pathologists, radiologists, imaging specialists, and rehabilitation teams.

This helps ensure that patients are not treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the treatment plan is aligned with international protocols, including NCCN-based guidance, while also considering the patient’s individual needs.

Care Across the Full Cancer Journey

RGCIRC provides head and neck cancer care across the entire disease pathway, from screening and diagnosis to surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, rehabilitation, follow-up, and palliative care when needed.

This continuity is valuable because a patient with an early oral lesion and a patient with advanced laryngeal cancer both need coordinated care, timely decisions, accurate diagnostics, and access to the right specialists at each stage of treatment.

Advanced Surgical and Reconstructive Options

Head and neck cancer surgery often requires a balance between removing the cancer completely and preserving function. RGCIRC’s surgical programme includes advanced procedures such as complex oral cancer surgery, neck dissection, commando surgery, total laryngectomy, thyroidectomy, skull base surgery, transoral robotic surgery, transoral laser microsurgery, CO₂ and diode laser procedures, and microvascular reconstruction where indicated.

For selected patients, minimally invasive and organ-preserving approaches may help reduce treatment-related morbidity and support better functional recovery. For patients who need major tumour removal, reconstructive surgery helps restore appearance, speech, swallowing, chewing, and daily function.

Radiation, Systemic Therapy and Biomarker-Guided Care

Head and neck cancer treatment often requires more than surgery alone. RGCIRC offers radiation therapy techniques such as IMRT and IGRT, which help deliver precise radiation while reducing exposure to nearby critical structures. This is especially important in head and neck cancer, where treatment can affect saliva production, swallowing, taste, speech, and quality of life.

For patients who need systemic therapy, treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or biomarker-guided options depending on the cancer type, stage, recurrence status, PD-L1 expression, molecular profile, and overall health.

Rehabilitation and Quality-of-Life Support

In head and neck cancer, recovery is not only about completing treatment. Patients may need support to speak, swallow, eat, breathe comfortably, manage treatment side effects, and adjust to visible or functional changes.

RGCIRC’s approach includes voice rehabilitation, swallowing support, nutritional care, tracheostomy guidance when needed, pain and symptom management, and palliative care support. This helps patients move from treatment to recovery with better functional outcomes and dignity.

Recognised Cancer Care Institution

RGCIRC is a not-for-profit cancer care institution with NABH and NABL accreditation. The institute has also been recognised by Newsweek among the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals in 2024 and 2025, ranked No. 1 in North India among single-specialty hospitals in The Times of India’s 2025 All India Critical Care Hospital Ranking Survey, and awarded Best Oncology Hospital of the Year 2026 at the Cancer Summit Awards by IHW Council.

Through its philanthropy initiatives, RGCIRC also supports access to cancer care for patients who require financial assistance, including free bed services, case-to-case discounts, screening camps, and collaborations with government schemes and NGOs.

Final Words

On World Head and Neck Cancer Day 2026, the message is simple: do not ignore a symptom that keeps returning or refuses to go away.

A hoarse voice that lasts for weeks, a mouth ulcer that does not heal, a neck lump that appears without an obvious infection, or difficulty swallowing that gradually worsens may not always mean cancer. But they do need proper medical evaluation. Waiting for symptoms to settle on their own can delay diagnosis and reduce the chances of simpler, more effective treatment.

In head and neck cancer, early detection can make a meaningful difference. It can influence the type of treatment needed, the extent of surgery, the possibility of preserving speech and swallowing, and the patient’s overall quality of life. The earlier a suspicious symptom is assessed by a specialist, the better the chances of planning timely and appropriate care.

If you or a family member has any of the warning signs discussed in this blog, consider booking a consultation with the Head and Neck Oncology team at RGCIRC. Getting checked early does not mean assuming the worst. It means taking the right step towards clarity, reassurance, and timely treatment.

To Book a Consultation at RGCIRC, simply call +91-11-4702 2222 (Rohini) / +91-11-4582 2222 (Niti Bagh, South Delhi) Book online at care.rgcirc.org | Download the RGCI Care app on iOS and Android OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Emergency Services: 24×7 at both campuses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is World Head and Neck Cancer Day?

World Head and Neck Cancer Day is observed on 27 July to raise awareness about cancers affecting the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, and related head and neck structures. The day focuses on prevention, risk awareness, early diagnosis, timely specialist evaluation, treatment access, survivorship, and better outcomes.

What are the early signs of head and neck cancer?

Early signs can be subtle and are often mistaken for common mouth, dental, throat, or voice problems. Symptoms that should not be ignored include a mouth ulcer that does not heal within two to three weeks, persistent hoarseness, a painless lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, blood-stained saliva, throat discomfort, or ear pain without an ear infection.

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but if they persist, they should be checked by an ENT or head and neck cancer specialist.

Can tobacco chewing cause oral cancer?

Yes. Smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini, zarda, pan masala, betel quid, and other chewing tobacco forms are strongly linked to oral cancer. These products stay in direct contact with the lining of the mouth for long periods, exposing the tissues to cancer-causing chemicals.

Over time, this exposure can lead to changes such as white patches, red patches, mouth ulcers, thickening, or stiffness in the oral tissues. Stopping tobacco use at any stage helps reduce further exposure and lowers future risk.

Is head and neck cancer curable?

Many head and neck cancers can be treated successfully, especially when detected early. Early-stage cancers often require less extensive treatment and may offer better chances of preserving speech, swallowing, appearance, and quality of life.

Advanced cancers can also be treated, but they usually require a more complex treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. This is why early diagnosis is so important.

What is TORS in head and neck cancer treatment?

TORS, or Transoral Robotic Surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for selected head and neck cancers, especially some tumours located at the back of the mouth or in the oropharynx. In this procedure, the tumour is removed through the mouth using robotic assistance, without large external cuts.

For eligible patients, TORS may help reduce visible scarring, support faster recovery, and preserve function. However, it is not suitable for every case. The decision depends on the tumour’s location, size, spread, access, and overall treatment goal.

Does HPV cause throat cancer in non-smokers?

Yes. Human papillomavirus, especially HPV type 16, is an important risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers, particularly cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue. HPV-related throat cancers can occur in people with no history of tobacco use.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers often behave differently from HPV-negative cancers and are generally associated with a better prognosis. This is why HPV or p16 testing is an important part of the diagnostic workup for newly diagnosed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Where can I find head and neck cancer treatment near me in Delhi NCR?

If you are looking for head and neck cancer treatment near you in Delhi NCR, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre offers dedicated care through its Head and Neck Oncology services at Rohini and Niti Bagh, South Delhi. Patients can consult specialists for symptoms such as a non-healing mouth ulcer, persistent hoarseness, neck lump, difficulty swallowing, throat discomfort, or suspected oral cancer.

RGCIRC provides diagnosis, endoscopy, biopsy or FNAC, imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and follow-up care under one institutional framework. Appointments can be booked at the Rohini campus or Niti Bagh, South Delhi campus.