Neck Cancer
“Head and neck cancers” is a broad term for certain cancers that begin in the head or neck area.
These cancers usually begin in the following Trusted Source parts of your head or neck:
- inside the sinuses (small air pockets in the facial area of your skull)
- inside your nose
- inside your mouth and on your lips
- in the back of your throat (pharynx)
- in your voice box (larynx)
- in your salivary glands
What are cancers of the head and neck?
Most head and neck cancers begin in the cells that line the mucous membranes inside your head and neck. These cells are called squamous cells. These cancers are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas.
There are mucous membranes inside your:
- nose
- mouth
- throat
- larynx
Other types of head and neck cancers are less common. These include cancers that begin in salivary glands and sinuses.
Let’s talk about different types of head and neck cancers in more detail.
What causes cancers of the head and neck and who’s at risk?
According to a recent review of studies, 73% of head and neck cancers in the United States are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This infection is transmitted between people through sexual contact. It’s important to note that most people with HPV do not know they have it because it rarely causes symptoms.
Both men and women can develop head and neck cancers associated with an HPV infection. Although HPV can be detected in different head and neck cancers, it only causes oropharyngeal cancers.
The other two main causes of head and neck cancers are alcohol and tobacco.
Some additional risk factors include:
- Chewing betel quid (popular in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands)
- having the Epstein-Barr virus
- being male
- being older than 40 years
- experiencing occupational exposure to wood dust, asbestos, and other substances
How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?
To diagnose head and neck cancer, a doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order different tests. Some of the tests used to diagnose this type of cancer include:
- endoscopy
- imaging scans, such as ultrasound, PET, and MRI scans
- barium swallow with CT scan or X-ray to determine if there is cancer along the gastrointestinal tract, including the throat
- biopsy
- biomarker testing of the tumor