Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers that affect your mouth, throat or other parts of your head and neck. The most common symptom is a persistent sore throat. You can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and preventing an HPV infection. These cancers are often treatable if caught early, and most are preventable.
OVERVIEW
What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer includes several types of cancer that usually start in the cells lining your mouth, throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). These cells are called squamous cells. Less commonly, head and neck cancers form in your sinuses or salivary glands.
Most head and neck cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinoma, after the cell that changes into a cancer cell.
What are the types of head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer includes several types of cancer that usually start in the cells lining your mouth, throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). These cells are called squamous cells. Less commonly, head and neck cancers form in your sinuses or salivary glands.
Most head and neck cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinoma, after the cell that changes into a cancer cell.
What are the types of head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancers include:
Head and neck cancers sometimes spread to the lymph nodes in the upper part of your neck.
Despite their locations, brain, eye, esophageal and thyroid cancers aren’t typically considered head and neck cancers. They require different treatments from those used in head and neck cancers.
Who is most likely to develop head and neck cancer?
Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) are up to three times more likely to get diagnosed than women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Age plays a role, too. Most people get diagnosed after age 50.
Certain factors raise your cancer risk, especially tobacco and alcohol use and HPV infection.
How common are head and neck cancers?
About 900,000 cases get diagnosed worldwide each year. In the U.S., head and neck cancers account for about 3% to 4% of all cancer diagnoses.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer can be hard to diagnose because symptoms are often mild and can mimic less serious conditions like a cold or sore throat. A sore throat that doesn’t get better is the most common symptom of a head and neck cancer.
Symptoms include:
Check with a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. They may be signs of something less serious, but you’ll need a thorough exam to be sure.
Risk factors for head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancers most often affect men and people AMAB over 50. Other than sex and age, the biggest risk factors are using tobacco, drinking too much alcohol and HPV infections. Some risk factors vary depending on the cancer type.