Head and Neck Oncology

Oral cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in the world and the most common in India. There is excellent evidence from many sources that approximately 90% of these cancers are due to any form of tobacco use and poor oral and dental hygiene. Alarmingly, almost 70% to 80% of reported cases present with advanced-stage disease, typically in Stage III or IV. Cancers of the thyroid gland, parotid gland, and minor salivary glands are also frequently treated in this department. Additionally, the incidence of premalignant lesions, such as leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis, has increased considerably. Because cosmetic outcomes are a vital consideration, various reconstructive procedures are being performed by the department. Furthermore, postgraduate students, paramedical staff, and in-service doctors participate in regular training programs centered on the early detection, prevention, and treatment of head and neck cancers.

• The monitoring and enforcement of radiation safety for radiation workers, staff members, patients, and the general public across the departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiodiagnosis, Nuclear Medicine, and Medical Physics;
• Participation in various research and developmental activities at the center;
• Facility design and planning for the commissioning of new radiation installations, as well as the decommissioning of old ones, ensuring all designs meet regulatory stipulations for radiation protection and safety;
• The preparation of specifications for treatment and dosimetric equipment;
• The measurement, analysis, and tabulation of beam data for clinical use;
• Acceptance testing, commissioning, and quality assurance (including calibration) of radiation facilities;
• The development of QA protocols and procedures in radiation therapy concerning treatment delivery, radiation safety, control, regulatory supervision of equipment servicing, and record maintenance;
• Teaching radiation physics to postgraduate (PG) students pursuing an MD in Radiation Oncology, and to DMRT (Diploma in Medical Radiation Technology) students of AHPGIC & SCB Medical College, Cuttack;
• Providing internships for M.Sc. Medical Physics students.