Head & Neck Cancers Overview

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of different types of cancer that start in this region of the body and may include: the lips, mouth, nose, larynx (voice box), hypopharynx, throat, and salivary glands.

They are typically categorized by where the cancer starts:

laryngeal_cancer

Larynx

The larynx, also called the voicebox, is a short passageway formed by cartilage just below the pharynx in the neck. The larynx contains the vocal cords. It also has a small piece of tissue, called the epiglottis, which moves to cover the larynx to prevent food from entering the air passages.

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Oral Cavity

Includes the lips, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the floor (bottom) of the mouth under the tongue, the hard palate (bony top of the mouth), and the small area of the gum behind the wisdom teeth.

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hypopharyngeal_cancer

Pharynx

The pharynx (throat) is a hollow tube that starts behind the nose and leads to the esophagus. It has three parts: the upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose; the middle part of the pharynx, including the soft palate [the back of the mouth]; the base of the tongue, and the tonsils; the lower part of the pharynx.

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Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity

The paranasal sinuses are small hollow spaces in the bones of the head surrounding the nose. The nasal cavity is the hollow space inside the nose.

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Salivary Glands

The major salivary glands are on the floor of the mouth and near the jawbone. The salivary glands produce saliva. Salivary glands contain many different types of cells that can become cancerous, so there are many different types of salivary gland cancer.

Cancers of the brain, the eye, the esophagus, and the thyroid gland, as well as those of the scalp, skin, muscles, and bones of the head and neck, are usually classified separately not as head and neck cancers.

Sometimes, cancerous squamous cells can be found in the lymph nodes of the upper neck when there is no evidence of cancer in other parts of the head and neck. When this happens, the cancer is called metastatic squamous neck cancer with an unknown (occult) primary. More information about this cancer type can be found in Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary (PDQ®).

Treatment and prognosis are based on what type of head and neck cancer is present and what stage it is.

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers

The ears, nose, and throat are the most common areas affected by cancers in the head and neck. Symptoms typically depend on where the cancer develops and how it spreads. Some common signs and symptoms can include:

  • A lump or sore in the nose, neck, or throat that does not heal or go away
  • Difficulty and/or pain when swallowing
  • Trouble breathing or speaking
  • Change or hoarseness in the voice that isn’t related to a virus (ie: cold or flu) or bacterial infection (ie: strep throat)
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Chronically blocked sinuses or sinus infections
  • White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
  • Frequent headaches
  • Ear pain, trouble hearing and/or ringing in the ears not related to a common ear infection

Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can occur even if there is no cancer present. In many cases, they are due to some other condition. However, this cannot be confirmed without an examination. If you experience these symptoms–especially if they recur or persist for more than two weeks–see your doctor or your dentist, if the concern is inside of your mouth.

Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors

Increased risk of many types of head and neck cancer often differ by each individual type of cancer; however, many head and neck cancers can be caused by:

  • Tobacco use
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • The human papillomavirus (HPV)

Compass Oncology offers an integrated team-oriented approach to provide you with the best possible care. We are also eager to explain the facts and answer your questions at every step along the way.

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