What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the head or neck grow in an uncontrolled way.
In cancer medicine, the head and neck area includes the:
- mouth, including the lips, tongue and gums
- throat (also called the pharynx)
- voice box (also called the larynx)
- nose, including the nasal cavity (the area behind the nose) and sinuses
- salivary glands, which are in the floor of the mouth and near the lower jaw
- skin of the head and neck
- lymph nodes in the head and neck.
The head and neck area does not include the:
- brain
- eyes
- thyroid (a gland at the front of the neck that produces hormones)
- oesophagus (also called the food pipe)
- trachea (also called the windpipe)
- bones and muscles of the head and neck.
Head and neck cancers can originate from various cell types and affect different areas of the head and neck, with squamous cell carcinomas being the most common type.
Explore statistics on head and neck cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Various risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing head and neck cancer, including lifestyle habits, infections, environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and certain racial backgrounds.
Head and neck cancers may not cause symptoms in their early stages. The most common symptom for head and neck cancers is a lump in the neck, caused by a swollen lymph node. There can be many other symptoms, depending on where the cancer is.
Tests will be performed to investigate symptoms of head and neck cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Dentists are also trained to look for signs of mouth cancer.
Head and neck cancer treatment options depend on cancer type, stage, location, symptoms, and personal health, and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Discover how research is advancing head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment, and learn more about clinical trial.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 23 September 2024
