28/07/2026 07:25 - Salud
On July 27, 2026, the world observed World Head and Neck Cancer Day, a crucial moment to shed light on a group of tumors affecting the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, and salivary glands. This cancer represents 4 to 5% of all cancer diagnoses worldwide, making it the seventh most common cancer globally.
In Argentina, approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and experts project a 30% increase by 2030. The disease primarily affects people over 50 and is two to four times more common in men than in women.
Dr. Natacha Boyallian, head of Head and Neck Surgery at Sanatorio Allende in Córdoba, Argentina, emphasizes that certain symptoms should never be normalized. Consulting a doctor early is not about panic—it's about taking care of your health and acting in time.
The combined use of tobacco and alcohol has historically been the main risk factor. However, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has become a major player, explaining the rise in cases among younger patients with no history of smoking.
Tumors linked to HPV tend to respond better to treatment and have a more favorable prognosis. HPV vaccination, quitting smoking, and maintaining good oral hygiene are key preventive measures.
Nutritional assessment is critical to preserving quality of life. Malnutrition and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) are common complications. Agustina Senese, a nutritionist at Hospital Argerich in Buenos Aires, explains that nutrition should be a concrete therapeutic intervention from the moment of diagnosis, involving oncologists, dietitians, and speech therapists to improve tolerance to therapies.
Early detection means that more than 80% of cases are treatable. Modern medicine has also incorporated artificial intelligence to plan maxillary reconstruction surgeries, offering less invasive therapies, preserving organs, and significantly improving quality of life. Sources: La Voz, Infobae, Primera Edición, and Filo.news.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
