Head and neck cancer overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

Head and Neck cancer Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Classification Brain tumor Oral cancer Nasopharyngeal cancer Hypopharyngeal cancer Glomus tumor Salivary gland tumor Laryngeal cancer Thyroid cancer Parathyroid cancer Esophageal cancer
Causes
Differential diagnosis

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. 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.