Head and neck cancer overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The term '''head and neck cancer''' refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the [[lip]], [[oral cavity]] ([[mouth]]), [[nasal cavity]], [[paranasal sinuses]], [[pharynx]], and [[larynx]]. Most head and neck cancers are [[squamous cell carcinoma]]s, originating from the [[mucosa]]l lining ([[epithelium]]) of these regions.<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/templates/doc.aspx?viewid=7BDB0B90-2F6E-48A0-BCEA-00B2920A8933 NCI factsheet on head and neck cancer]</ref> Head and neck cancers often spread to the [[lymph node]]s of the [[neck]], and this is often the first (and sometimes only) manifestation of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Head and neck cancer is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors, including [[tobacco smoking]], [[alcohol]] consumption, and certain strains of the sexually transmitted [[human papillomavirus]]. Head and neck cancer is highly curable if detected early, most often through a combination of [[chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]], although [[surgery]] may also play an important role. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 23:30, 18 January 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]
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Head and Neck cancer Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [3]
Overview
The term head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the mucosal lining (epithelium) of these regions.[1] Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck, and this is often the first (and sometimes only) manifestation of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Head and neck cancer is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus. Head and neck cancer is highly curable if detected early, most often through a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, although surgery may also play an important role.