NECK AND CANCER AWARENESS
Authored by Jaclyn Sylvia, PA-C


Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells. These cells begin to grow abnormally forming a mass of tissue, called a growth or a tumor. There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. Malignant tumors are cancer. Their growth invades normal structures near the tumor and can spread to other parts of the body. Most head and neck cancers begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and neck area. These areas include lips, inside the mouth, tongue, salivary glands, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and the larynx (voice box).

Did You Know?

- Head and neck cancers, most of which are preventable, account for approximately 6% of all cancers in the United States
- More than 55,000 people in the U.S. will develop cancer of the head and neck in 2011; nearly 13,000 people will die from it
- Early detection and treatments are the keys to preventing these cancers
- Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use
- People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone
- Cigarette smoking increases your risk of head and neck cancer by 15 times compared to a non-smoker
- Over the past ten years, an increasing number of people with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) who were young, non-smokers have developed oral, head and neck cancer

What Are the Common Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?

Symptoms of several head and neck cancer sites include a lump or sore that does not heal; a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. Other symptoms may include the following:

- Oral Cavity: A white or red path on the gums, tongue or lining in the mouth, swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly, or unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth
- Nasal Cavity and Sinuses: Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear, chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics, bleeding through the nose, frequent headaches, swelling or other trouble with the eyes, pain in the upper teeth
- Oropharynx and Hypopharynx: Ear pain and blood in your saliva or phlegm for more than a few days
- Nasopharynx: Trouble breathing or speaking, frequent headaches, persistent pain or ringing in the ears, trouble hearing
- Larynx: Pain with swelling, persistent ear pain, difficulty breathing

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious conditions. However, raising awareness of cancer symptoms and treatment options is crucial because an estimated 60% of patients fail to see doctors until their disease have gone into advanced states.

Call our office at 732-280-7855 to schedule an appointment or visit our website at Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat.

NOSEBLEEDS
Authored by Jaclyn Sylvia, PA-C

In the United States, one of every seven persons develop a nosebleed at some point during their lifetime. Nosebleeds do not exclude any age group, but are most commonly found in children aged 2 to 10 as well as adults aged 50 to 80 years. As inconvenient as nosebleeds may be, ninety percent of nosebleeds are able to be easily controlled without significant invasive procedures. Nosebleeds are classified on the basis of the primary bleeding site. The most common area that bleeds is the inside front portion of the nose. Most cases of nosebleeds do not have one easily identifiable cause; however, local trauma is one of the most common. Another very common cause of nosebleeds is excessive dryness in the nose, which is often seen in the winter months. Dry heated indoor air, topical nasal sprays, cigarette smoking, chronic oxygen use, or antihistamines contribute to nasal dryness. Therefore, if frequent nosebleeds are a problem, it is important to focus on hydrating the nasal tissue.

There are things that can be done at home to keep the lining of the nose moist with the use of a product three times a day:

- Saline spray
- Saline gel such as AYR
- Bacitracin ointment or A+D ointment
- Aquaphor

If you develop a nose bleed, here are some tips to prevent future bleeding:

- Limit physical activities such as bending, lifting or stooping
- Sneeze within the mouth open
- Avoid blowing the nose for roughly 24 hours and continue with gentle blowing after
- Quit smoking or, at the very least, cut down on the amount of cigarettes consumed

If re-bleeding occurs, there are some at home tips that may help to slow, if not stop, the bleeding:

- Immediately squeeze the soft part of the nostrils firmly together for five minutes (make sure the head is bent forward so that you do not swallow the blood)
- Should bleeding continue, blow the nose to remove any coagulated blood
- Follow by spraying a decongestant spray such as Afrin nasal spray in the nose four times on each side
- Repeat these steps if needed
- After thirty minutes, if the bleeding persists, the patient should be evaluated by a medical provider

At Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat we have professionally trained otolaryngologists and a physician assistant to address your nasal concerns. Please feel free to come visit us.

Sean Houston, MD

Sean Houston, MD

Dr. Sean Houston received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgetown University and his Medical Doctorate from the Georgetown School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Houston is a contributing author to a textbook entitled Decision Making in Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders and has been a featured speaker at the Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Annual Conference.

In 2007, Dr. Houston was voted by his peers as one of New Jersey Monthly's Top Doctors. He serves as a Clinical Instructor for the Residency Program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Dr. Houston is Board Certified to treat both adult and pediatric Otolaryngology patients.